The United States and driving go together like peanut butter and jelly. It’s a classic combination. Whether you live here or just want to experience the open road while visiting, you can’t go wrong with a road trip with great scenery. We’ve put together 10 of the most scenic roads in the US to meet every taste: Mountains, oceans, deserts, lush greenery, amazing views and more.
Pacific Coast Highway, California
One of the most famous roads in the US, if not the world is also one of the most scenic. Stretching 656 miles up the coast of California, from south of Los Angeles to Leggett up north, California Highway 1 gives you great views of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged coastline. Plus, you get to stop in cute towns along the way.
U.S. 1/Overseas Highway, Florida
Go to the bottom of Florida and then keep going on the Overseas Highway that will take you to Key West and the southernmost point of the continental US. Built on what was once a railroad bed, the highway runs along the archipelago that make up the Florida Keys. If you drive the entire 113-mile highway, you’ll arrive in tropical Key West where you can see the pastel-hued buildings and go diving or snorkeling to see coral reefs.
Vermont Route 100
This highway runs for more than 200 miles north to south through Vermont, from just below the Canadian border to the border with Massachusetts. Because Route 100 runs along the eastern edge of the Green Mountains, you’ll have fantastic scenery during your drive. Better yet, if you’re into skiing or snowboarding, or hiking in the warmer weather, there are plenty of opportunities to take part in these along the way.
Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia & North Carolina
This parkway is so well-known for its scenery that it earned a spot as an All-American Road. Running for more than 450 miles through Virginia and North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Parkway links two of the East Coast’s most scenic parks: Shenandoah National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You’ll also drive through towns like Asheville, NC. If you like hiking, fishing or camping, this drive will give you ample opportunities for all of them. Otherwise, you can just enjoy the lush greenery and mountain scenery of this scenic drive.
Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana
We’re going to northwestern Montana for this one, specifically to Glacier National Park. This super-scenic road will take you over the Continental Divide, past glacial lakes and views of Heavens Peak and Going-to-the-Sun Mountain. The road runs between the town of West Glacier, on Highway 2, and St. Mary, on Highway 89. Note that the road is closed in the winter, so this is more of a summer drive for great views, hiking or just a stop at the scenic overlooks along the way.
North Cascades Scenic Byway, Washington
Get up close and personal with the North Cascades mountains by taking a drive on this 140-mile stretch of road in northwestern Washington. Running west on Highway 20 from Twisp to Sedro-Woolley, you’ll see a variety of scenery. There are soaring mountains reminiscent of the Alps, waterfalls, glaciers and glacial lakes, green valleys and more. There are several overlooks where you can stop and get photos if you’re just passing through. Otherwise, you can hike or camp in North Cascades National Park or stop in small towns along the way.
Park Loop Road, Acadia National Park, Maine
Mount Desert Island off the coast of Maine, where Acadia National Park sits, is accessible via Highway 3. From there you can get to Park Loop Road, which runs for 27 miles around the park past many attractions you might want to see. Take the road to see a sampling of the park’s scenery including Cadillac Mountain, Otter Point, Sieur de Monts and Jordan Pond. Stop in the Wild Gardens of Acadia, a botanical garden, to get some great photos.
Hana Highway, Hawaii
This storied highway, also known as the Road to Hana, is a great way to slow down and enjoy the scenery on the island of Maui. That’s because this two-lane highway that twists and turns doesn’t give you the option to go very fast. Plus, its popularity means you’ll encounter many other people and tour groups also wanting to see the sights. You can start the 64-mile drive in Kahului and then follow Hawaii Highway 360 along the eastern coast of the island until you get to Hana. During the drive you’ll see waterfalls, lush greenery, beaches and more. You can also stop at Ho’okipa Lookout and watch the surfers conquering the waves below.
U.S. Route 163, Utah & Arizona
We’re taking a break from lush green scenery with this entry that runs through the desert for 64 miles from southern Utah to northern Arizona. You’ll go through Monument Valley on the drive, which surrounds you with red rock mesas and buttes fit for a movie set. Much of the highway passes through the Navajo Nation and you can feel like you’re in a Western when you stop and take photos of the surroundings.
Richardson Highway, Alaska
The 368-mile Richardson Highway, running on Alaska Routes 2 and 4, goes from Fairbanks in the north to Valdez in the south. Although it will take you about 8 hours to drive the two-lane paved highway from end to end, it’s worth making some stops along the way to take in all of the breathtaking scenery that Alaska has to offer. On the southern end you’ll drive along the western edge of the Wrangell-Saint Elias National Preserve with views of towering mountains and glaciers. Stop at the Rainbow Ridge Scenic View and see some dall sheep, admire the waterfalls, or take a break at the Santa Claus House in the town of North Pole. Whatever you stop to see, you won’t regret taking the drive!
