65 Scenic Drives in America You Don't Want to Miss
Plan the road trip of a lifetime with our hand-selected routes.
Is there anything more wonderful than packing your car with a few favorite snacks, turning up whatever's on the radio, and embarking on a good old-fashioned American road trip? Personally, we don't think so, which is why we're excited to share our list of the most scenic drives in America—the best of the best, from sea to shining sea. These spectacular, hand-selected routes are sure to delight and inspire you as you set out on the journey of a lifetime, whether you're a cross-country road trip veteran or totally new to the game. Each and every trip highlights the beauty and majesty of our great nation, from shorelines to mountain valleys and beyond. And no matter how much of our country you think you've already seen, there's always something new to revel in: Make your way through canyons and valleys, visit beaches, harbors, and lighthouses, or explore historic American industrial cities and quaint river villages. Better yet, see several of those sights by combining one or more of these routes—or drive from coast to coast and see it all. Whatever your plan is, we have a feeling you won't regret spending your next vacation on the open road.
California
The Drive: The 17-Mile Drive
The Scene: Believe it or not, this stunning drive is less than 10 miles long. But it packs a punch: You'll see harbor seals, gorgeous sunsets, and rocky beaches aplenty.
The Pit-Stop: If you're traveling with kids, we suggest making a beeline for The Monterey Bay Aquarium. There, they can see sea turtles and even sharks.
Minnesota
The Drive: North Shore Drive
The Scene: The Minnesota shoreline is an underrated treasure. Start out in Duluth, and be prepared for showstopping views of Lake Superior along your 142-mile journey. Just watch out for deer.
The Pit-Stop: Stop in Grand Marais, Minnesota, for restaurants, lodging, fishing, and more.
Illinois
The Drive: Lake Shore Drive in Chicago
The Scene: In Chicago, find some of America's most celebrated, storied architecture (including the Sears Tower and Willis Tower) and gaze out at unbelievable lakeside views.
The Pit-Stop: In the summer, you can stop at Millennium Park to take in a free concert. It's one of the city's most popular tourist destinations for a reason.
Utah
The Drive: Scenic Byway 12
The Scene: It's got the word "scenic" right in the name, and for good reason: This 122-mile route passes through the glorious Bryce Canyon as well as the Grand Staircase-Escalante Monument.
The Pit-Stop: We don't have to tell you to stop at Bryce Canyon's Inspiration Point—you naturally will on your own. Observe the stunning geological spires, take in the breathtaking views, or go on a short hike.
Texas
The Drive: Bluebonnet Trail
The Scene: If you manage to go at the right time—any time in March, April, or May should do—you'll drive past thousands of beautiful bluebonnet flowers. There are also several lakes to see here.
The Pit-Stop: Depending on whether you'd like to stay on land or explore the waters, we recommend visiting Lake Buchanan or heading to the special Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Research Center.
Alabama
The Drive: The Coastal Connection
The Scene: Take a cruise along the Gulf of Mexico on the Coastal Connection. Beginning at Grand Bay, Alabama's southern tip stretches for 130 miles where you'll pass by sandy beaches, wildlife refuges, and historic sites like Fort Gaines and Fort Morgan.
The Pit-Stop: Dauphin's Island Audubon Bird Sanctuary is set on 137 acres of maritime land; it's a prime spot for viewing spring migrations in North America.
Alaska
The Drive: Richardson Highway
The Scene: You may want to break this seven-hour, 360-mile journey up over the course of a couple days to ensure you can see everything along the way. On route from Fairbanks to Valdez, Alaska you’ll see Keystone Canyon, Worthing Glacier, Gulkana Glacier, the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, and more.
The Pit-Stop: Be sure to stop at North Pole, Alaska to see the "Santa Claus House" and the Antler Academy.
Alaska
The Drive: Seward Highway
The Scene: Catch a glimpse of Alaska's best views along the 127-mile long Seward Highway. The iconic drive follows the Turnagain Arm from Anchorage to Seward. Hit the road between the months of May and September to witness the Aleutian Range and Alaska Range in all their glory, while keeping an eye out for Dall sheep perched on the cliffside.
The Pit-Stop: Watch beluga whales roll in the surf at Beluga Point along the Turnagain Arm.
Arizona
The Drive: Highway 89A
The Scene: This scenic drive doesn't have an official name, but some locals call it Oak Creek Scenic Route. From Flagstaff to Sedona, travel nearly 30 miles to take in the natural beauty of pine trees, red rocks, canyons, and more.
The Pit-Stop: Cool off with your family at Slide Rock State Park by riding on the creek's thrilling natural waterslide.
Arkansas
The Drive: Pig Trail Scenic Byway
The Scene: Clocking in at 19 miles long, the Pig Trail Scenic Byway lies within the Boston Mountains region of the Arkansas Ozark Mountains. Some say the drive got its name because the winding road looks like the corkscrew tail of a pig. Crossing over the Mulberry River and through the Ozark Highlands Trail, this route showcases a riot of colorful foliage during the spring, summer, and fall.
The Pit-Stop: Looking for your next camping trip? Stop at the White Rock Mountain Recreation Area and spend the day climbing the 2,260-foot peak to get a closer look of the surrounding views of the Ozarks.
California
The Drive: Pacific Coast Highway
The Scene: If you're pressed for time, but still want to behold California's beauty, take this cliff-side drive from Monterey to Morro Bay. Coast along the 139-mile route and you’ll see Big Sur’s Bixby Bridge, picturesque Carmel-by-the-Sea, the Hearst Castle, and much more on the way.
The Pit-Stop: Stop at Pfeiffer State Beach for photo-ops with the Pacific Ocean.
California
The Drive: Route 395
The Scene: Start your drive near beautiful Lake Tahoe to take in the area's pristine wilderness. At approximately 375 miles, Route 395 is filled with history, passing through old mining towns and present-day tourist attractions like Yosemite National Park and Mono Lake until you reach Death Valley National Park.
The Pit-Stop: Snap a quick photo of Mount Whitney, the tallest mountain in the 48 contiguous states standing at 14,494 feet tall.
Colorado
The Drive: San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway
The Scene: Make your way through canyons and valleys on a road that was once used by miners over a hundred years ago. From historical mining towns to hot springs, this drive features some of the best views in the country.
The Pit-Stop: Between Silverton and Ouray, ride along on "The Million Dollar Highway," a route built in the late 1880s—with its endless curves and turns, you'll be in for a fun ride (as long as you're cautious)!
Connecticut
The Drive: Litchfield Hills Loop
The Scene: Jump on Route 7 to take in this stunning 100-mile loop that's best experienced in the fall. (Hint: Peak foliage usually occurs between September 26 and October 15!)
The Pit-Stop: Step back into the 19th century by visiting Falls Village. Your family can spend the entire day exploring this charming town, which includes gorgeous churches, railroad depots, streets, and historic houses.
Delaware
The Drive: Delaware Bayshore Byway
The Scene: It's just 50 miles long, but this route allows you to witness spectacular scenes as you drive along endless acres of water marshes near the Delaware Bay. In the fall, pull over to watch the Atlantic Flyway, when thousands of birds pass through the area as they migrate south for the winter.
The Pit-Stop: Tour the Historic Homes of Odessa to marvel over the finest examples of the 18th and 19th-century architecture in the state.
Florida
The Drive: A1A Florida State Road
The Scene: Though the full highway extends over 338 miles, we recommend making the journey from Jacksonville down to Miami on highway A1A’s 67-mile stretch. The entire drive provides gorgeous seaside views as you drive through Daytona Beach, West Palm Beach, and Fort Lauderdale.
The Pit-Stop: With so many popular destinations and small towns on this route, you’ll have plenty to choose from, though we recommend checking out Kingsley Plantation, which is situated in Timucuan Historic Preserve. It’s the oldest plantation in the state.
Florida
The Drive: Overseas Highway
The Scene: Driving over the blue-green waters of the Atlantic between the cities of Miami and Key West, the Overseas Highway provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Pick an off-season time to avoid a traffic jam, and it'll be smooth sailing for 113 miles.
The Pit-Stop: Visit Jules' Undersea Lodge (or stay the night!), the world's only underwater hotel.
Georgia
The Drive: Woodpecker Trail-Highway 121
The Scene: Founded almost a century ago, the Woodpecker Trail got its name from the woodpeckers living within the surrounding pine forests. Travel down the 204-mile drive along Georgia State Route 121 and pass through quaint Southern towns like Augusta, Folkston, Metter, and Waynesboro.
The Pit-Stop: See the birds at Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, an endangered home for woodpeckers, cranes, robins, owls, and more species.
Hawaii
The Drive: Hana Highway
The Scene: Journey around Kauai, Hawaii from Kahului to Hana on this 2.5 hour, 52-mile trip while you take in the gorgeous tropics and ocean views.
The Pit-Stop: You'll want to take a quick break from your travels to take a closer look at Wailua Falls, one of several waterfalls featured on the route.
Hawaii
The Drive: Hamakua Coastal Drive
The Scene: On the Big Island, this drive has it all: sea cliffs, lush valleys, and tropical rainforests. From Hilo to Waipio Valley Lookout, the scenic detour will be a trip to remember.
The Pit-Stop: Take in 2,000 species of tropical plants from around the world in the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden.
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