From the dramatic California coast to the history-lined thoroughfares of New England, the U.S. is brimming with scenic drives, some more stunning than others. Sometimes it’s not just the nature but also the human-made sights that make the trip. Scenic drives around the U.S. offer jaw-dropping vistas, panoramic landscapes, and an unforgettable adventure for road trippers. These routes wind through breathtaking scenery, including pristine coastlines, towering mountains, lush forests, and vibrant wildflowers, providing travelers with an immersive experience in the great outdoors. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely Sunday drive or a multi-day road trip, America’s scenic highways deliver a true feast for the senses.
Key Takeaways
- The U.S. is home to a wealth of breathtaking scenic drives that offer panoramic views and immersive outdoor experiences.
- These routes wind through diverse landscapes, including pristine coastlines, towering mountains, lush forests, and vibrant wildflowers.
- Scenic drives provide travelers with the opportunity to embark on both leisurely Sunday drives and multi-day road trips.
- America’s scenic highways deliver a true feast for the senses, allowing road trippers to fully immerse themselves in the great outdoors.
- Exploring these picturesque driving routes can be an unforgettable adventure for both nature and architecture enthusiasts.
Road to Hana, Maui, Hawaii
The T-shirts all say: “I survived the road to Hana.” It can take more than two and a half hours to travel the 52 miles from Kahului to Hana, as you snake past steep sea cliffs lush with blooming mango trees, ideally stopping to buy banana bread from roadside stalls and take in the breathtaking Jurassic vistas at every turn.
Lush Mango Tree-Lined Cliffs
In tiny Hana, a town on eastern Maui, a cinder cone shields a red-sand beach where nudists and endangered monk seals bake idly in the sun. Just beyond where the Road to Hana terminates, about 30 minutes further, are the must-visit Pools of Oheo, a gently cascading, seven-tiered gulch in Haleakala National Park.
Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina
The nearly 469 miles of blacktop twisting through the Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah national parks was built for travelers seeking panoramic Appalachian overlooks. It’s a drive for all seasons, with undulating slopes of vibrant color in autumn, a lush forest canopy in summer, and ski resorts in winter.
Panoramic Appalachian Views
As the Blue Ridge Parkway winds through the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, it offers breathtaking vistas of the rugged, rolling terrain. Visitors can take in the sweeping panoramas of the region’s iconic peaks, valleys, and ridgelines, immersing themselves in the natural beauty of this scenic driving route.
Seasonal Color Changes
The Blue Ridge Parkway is renowned for its stunning display of seasonal foliage. In the autumn, the undulating slopes transform into a tapestry of vibrant reds, oranges, and golds, as the region’s diverse array of deciduous trees put on an unforgettable show. The parkway’s scenic drives provide the perfect opportunity to witness these dramatic color changes firsthand.
Mineral-Rich Mountains
The Appalachian Mountains that the Blue Ridge Parkway traverses are known for their rich geological history and mineral deposits. Visitors can explore the region’s mines and panning sites, where they can uncover gems like emeralds, amethyst, rubies, topaz, and even gold. This adds an element of adventure and discovery to the scenic driving experience.
With its panoramic views, seasonal splendor, and geologic wonders, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers a truly immersive journey through the heart of the Appalachian landscape, making it a must-visit destination for any lover of scenic road trips and drives.
Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois
Chicago’s iconic Lake Shore Drive offers a scenic journey through the heart of the city, showcasing the stunning architectural landmarks that have made it a global destination. From the towering presence of the Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower and once the tallest building in the world, to the elegant Belle Époque charm of Burnham and Root’s Rookery, this urban scenic drive is a true feast for the eyes. The stark, post-Bauhaus forms of Mies van der Rohe’s buildings line the shore, creating a visually captivating spectacle for scenic road trips and drives, sightseeing routes, and city drives alike.
Iconic Architectural Landmarks
Chicago’s architectural landscape is marked by towering skyscrapers, grand civic buildings, and innovative modern structures that have cemented its reputation as a global leader in design. Along Lake Shore Drive, visitors can admire the striking silhouette of the Willis Tower, the former Sears Tower that was once the tallest building in the world, as well as the ornate, Beaux-Arts style of the Rookery, one of the city’s most celebrated historic landmarks. The drive also showcases the minimalist, glass-and-steel aesthetic of Mies van der Rohe’s modernist masterpieces, providing a captivating backdrop for panoramic views and scenic vistas.
Millennium Park and Cloud Gate Sculpture
While the drive along Lake Shore itself is a highlight, no visit to Chicago would be complete without a stop at Millennium Park. Here, travelers can marvel at the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture, affectionately known as “The Bean,” a massive stainless steel structure that reflects the city’s skyline in its mirrored surface. This popular destination offers a perfect counterpoint to the architectural wonders of the drive, providing a vibrant public space for adventure travel and outdoor exploration in the heart of the city.
17-Mile Drive, Monterey Peninsula, California
The so-called 17-Mile Drive loops around California’s stunning Monterey Peninsula, offering road trippers a chance to discover breathtaking scenic vistas and coastal drives. Stretching from the towns of Pacific Grove to Carmel, the road (privately owned by Pebble Beach) skirts the Pacific coast and runs through the parts of the Del Monte Forest belonging to an exclusive golf community.
Coastal Cliffs and Beaches
In addition to surf-beaten cliffs, colonies of harbor seals, and lookout points galore, the 17-Mile Drive route offers spectacular sunset views that make it worth the $11.25 entry fee to drive it. Visitors can also spot panoramic landscapes and breathtaking scenery along the way.
Del Monte Forest Golf Community
As the drive winds through the Del Monte Forest, road trippers can catch glimpses of the picturesque drives and scenic byways that are part of the exclusive golf community. This private enclave offers adventure travel opportunities and sightseeing routes that are typically off-limits to the general public.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Not too far off the 17-Mile Drive, the Monterey Bay Aquarium provides a chance to explore the natural beauty and outdoor exploration of the region. The aquarium features sunlit kelp-forest tanks, a petting pool, and a million-gallon tank with giant sharks and sea turtles, offering road trippers a deeper dive into the scenic highways and road trip destinations of the Monterey Peninsula.
Overseas Highway, Florida Keys
Leaving the mainland for Florida’s Keys, travelers enter a paradise of beach bars, water sports, and Parrotheads (Jimmy Buffett fans). From Key Largo to Key West, the Overseas Highway strings the islands together like beads, running past lighthouses, underwater coral reef parks, and across the Seven-Mile Bridge, among the longest bridges in the world.
On the docks at Islamorada, travelers can hand-feed bait fish to tarpon more than six feet long. Further down, on Big Pine Key, you can spot some of the island chain’s most well-known residents at the National Key Deer Refuge.
Scenic Road Trips and Drives
Beyond the iconic routes showcased in previous sections, the United States boasts a wealth of additional scenic drives that offer breathtaking landscapes, winding roads, and panoramic vistas for adventurous road trippers. From the red rock majesty of Utah to the vibrant wildflower displays of Texas, these picturesque drives provide a true feast for the senses and an immersive experience in the great outdoors.
Utah’s State Route 12
The red rock majesty of Utah is on triumphant display on State Route 12 winding between Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon national parks. The 124-mile strip has funky small towns and very few entry and exit points, so it takes some commitment to witness the steep sandstone canyons and bluffs of purple sage, and to tackle the narrow cliff-hanging ridgeline road called The Hogback around the halfway point.
Texas Bluebonnet Trail
Each spring, the Texas Bluebonnet Trail comes alive with a vibrant carpet of the state’s iconic wildflowers. Stretching across the Texas Hill Country, this scenic drive offers panoramic views of rolling hills and meadows abloom with the signature blue blooms. Road trippers can stop to explore charming towns, hike through scenic parks, and capture the breathtaking natural beauty of this seasonal natural wonder.
Minnesota’s Lake Superior Shoreline
Hugging the rugged coastline of Lake Superior, Minnesota’s North Shore Scenic Drive provides an unforgettable journey through pristine wilderness and historic fishing villages. Winding along the world’s largest freshwater lake, this scenic route offers breathtaking vistas of towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and the vast, sparkling waters of one of the country’s natural treasures.
Trail Ridge Road, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Welcome to the highest continuously paved road in the U.S. Trail Ridge Road begins at the Beaver Meadows Entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park and climbs as high as 12,183 feet, offering breathtaking scenic vistas and panoramic landscapes that showcase the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains. This remarkable drive takes road trippers on an unforgettable adventure, crossing over the Continental Divide and providing them with a glimpse into the dramatic tundra ecosystems above the tree line.
Continental Divide Crossing
As drivers ascend Trail Ridge Road, they’ll cross over the Continental Divide, following a similar route that Native Americans once took through this majestic landscape. This section of the drive presents visitors with the opportunity to witness elk, deer, and bighorn sheep roaming freely in the alpine tundra, surrounded by the towering peaks of the Rockies.
Alpine Tundra Landscapes
Beyond the tree line, the stunning tundra landscapes that line Trail Ridge Road offer a unique and breathtaking experience. Characterized by fragile alpine flora, vast meadows, and rugged rock formations, this section of the drive showcases the raw, untamed beauty of the Rockies and the incredible diversity of Colorado’s natural wonders.
Grand Lake
After about two to three hours of driving along Trail Ridge Road, travelers will reach the picturesque town of Grand Lake, which sits on the shores of Colorado’s largest natural body of water. This historic community provides a perfect stopping point for road trippers, offering a range of water sports, dining, and recreational activities to complement the scenic drive. However, it’s important to note that Trail Ridge Road is not a year-round route and can only be driven in good conditions, typically from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire
Though the White Mountains are a year-round sportsperson’s paradise, the autumnal fireworks are the undisputed highlights of New Hampshire’s 34.5-mile Kancamagus Highway. Serious leaf-peepers visit in October to see the maples, alder, and birch blazing in full technicolor glory. In the spring, expect yellow violets and wood anemone.
Fall Foliage Splendor
The Kancamagus Highway, also known as the Kanc, is renowned for its breathtaking fall foliage displays. As the route winds through the heart of the White Mountain National Forest, travelers are treated to a dazzling show of crimson, gold, and orange hues that paint the surrounding countryside. This scenic scenic byway is a prime destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in the vibrant fall landscapes of New England.
Sabbaday Falls Hike
In addition to the stunning fall foliage, the Kancamagus Highway offers numerous opportunities for outdoor exploration. One popular stop along the route is the Sabbaday Falls trailhead, which leads hikers on a moderate 0.5-mile trek to a picturesque 40-foot waterfall cascading over granite cliffs. This serene natural wonder provides a peaceful respite for travelers seeking to connect with the region’s natural beauty.
Going-to-the-Sun Road, Glacier National Park, Montana
One of America’s most inspiring public works projects runs along the spine of the Rockies past Glacier National Park’s snow-covered peaks, sub-alpine meadows, and lakes across the Continental Divide. The 50-mile stretch takes about two hours to drive. Snowdrifts threaten to top 100 feet in winter, so Going-to-the-Sun Road is fully open only when conditions allow (typically in the summer months).
Glacial Landscapes
As you wind through Glacier National Park, you’ll be treated to breathtaking vistas of the park’s glacial landscapes. Towering mountain peaks, cascading waterfalls, and pristine alpine lakes carved by ancient glaciers create a truly awe-inspiring panorama. This scenic drive offers travelers a chance to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the American West and witness the power of glacial forces that have shaped the region over centuries.
Glacier Institute Classes
To learn more about the geology of glaciers, local Native American customs, or the park’s diverse ecosystem, supplement your road trip along Going-to-the-Sun Road with a class at the Glacier Institute. These educational programs provide in-depth insights into the natural and cultural history of Glacier National Park, enhancing your understanding and appreciation of this remarkable landscape. Whether you’re interested in wildlife, wildflowers, or the park’s rich human heritage, the Glacier Institute has something to offer every curious traveler.
Highway 101, Oregon Coast
Unlike the rest of the West Coast, Oregon’s portion of the Pacific shoreline is entirely owned by the state and, therefore, open to the public. The 400-or-so miles of beaches off Highway 101 provide road trippers with perfectly preserved and unobstructed natural vistas. Between Port Orford and Brookings, about an hour’s drive, fierce sea cliffs stand in contrast to the pastoral farmland and roaming cattle of Oregon’s small towns.
Prehistoric Gardens
Pull over when you spot the roadside Tyrannosaurus rex at the Prehistoric Gardens, where 23 life-size dinosaur replicas are staged against the rainforest landscape.
Coastal Rainforests
The verdant coastal rainforests along Highway 101 offer a lush, verdant backdrop to the dramatic oceanside landscapes, providing a symphony of natural beauty for scenic road trippers.
Tide Pools
Explore the captivating tide pools teeming with marine life along the rugged Oregon shoreline, offering a glimpse into the vibrant coastal ecosystems that thrive along this scenic stretch of coastline.
Conclusion
The United States offers an incredible variety of scenic road trips and drives that wind through breathtaking landscapes, providing travelers with an unforgettable adventure. From the dramatic California coast to the history-lined thoroughfares of New England, these routes offer panoramic vistas, picturesque countryside, and access to some of the country’s most iconic natural wonders and national parks. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely Sunday drive or a multi-day road trip, America’s scenic highways deliver a true feast for the senses, allowing road trippers to immerse themselves in the great outdoors.
With so many spectacular options to choose from, the only challenge is deciding which scenic route to explore first. From the winding roads of the Overseas Highway in the Florida Keys to the Continental Divide crossing on Colorado’s Trail Ridge Road, the United States offers an unparalleled array of adventure travel and sightseeing routes that showcase the country’s natural beauty and outdoor exploration opportunities.
Ultimately, the vast network of scenic byways and driving routes across the U.S. provides road trippers with endless opportunities to discover picturesque drives, scenic vistas, and panoramic landscapes, whether they’re exploring countryside drives, coastal drives, or mountain drives. With so many road trip itineraries and scenic routes to choose from, the only limit is one’s sense of adventure and desire to immerse oneself in the great outdoors.
FAQ
What are some of the most breathtaking scenic drives in the United States?
What makes the Road to Hana in Maui so special?
What can drivers expect on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia and North Carolina?
What makes Lake Shore Drive in Chicago a unique scenic route?
What can visitors expect on the 17-Mile Drive in Monterey, California?
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What makes Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park a unique scenic drive?
Source Links
- https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/road-trips/americas-most-scenic-roads
- https://fullsuitcase.com/best-scenic-roads-worldwide/
- https://www.outsideonline.com/adventure-travel/destinations/north-america/most-scenic-roads-us/