The United States was practically built for road trips. Coastlines, red rock deserts, alpine lakes, lonely highways, and national parks, you name it, there’s a scenic drive that will blow your mind. With so many incredible routes to choose from, narrowing it down can feel impossible. So, we’ve gathered 25 of the most beautiful, unforgettable road trips in the country – routes that truly rise above the rest with iconic views, dramatic landscapes, and pure open-road magic.
Whether you’re craving rugged mountains, oceanside cliffs, ghost towns, rainforest drives, or winding desert roads, these scenic trips will inspire your next adventure.
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Alaska Route 1 –Alaska
Also known as the Glenn and Seward Highways, Alaska Route 1 delivers jaw-dropping views from start to finish. This route runs from Homer toward the Canadian border, cutting through Anchorage and weaving past glaciers, towering mountains, and the shimmering Cook Inlet. With long summer days and clear roads, late May to early September is the prime time to take this unforgettable drive.
Pro Tip: Even in summer, nights can get cool so be sure to check temperature and pack a coat.
Olympic Peninsula Loop – Washington
This 329-mile loop around Olympic National Park gives you a sample platter of Washington’s greatest hits: rugged coastline, lush rainforest, glassy lakes, and snow-dusted mountains. You can do it in a day… but trust me, you’ll want extra time for rainforest hikes and beach walks.
Cascade Loop Scenic Byway – Washington
If driving through a real-life postcard sounds appealing, the Cascade Loop delivers. This 440-mile alpine journey includes Leavenworth, a Bavarian-style mountain town with back drops that make you think you’re in the Alps. You’ll see blooming spring tulip fields, crystalline lakes, and the dramatic Methow Valley – Washington’s own Wild West.
Our favorite camera: You don’t want to go on these road trips without a camera. You’ll want to remember these beautiful scenes. We like the Kodak ProPix, it’s a great size and I really like the video feature.
Going-to-the-Sun Road – Montana
This 50-mile masterpiece winds through Glacier National Park, climbing into a world of waterfalls, glaciers, and wildlife. Must-stop spots include Jackson Glacier Overlook and Logan Pass (the highest point you can reach by car). Plan several hours, there’s no rushing a road like this.
Historic Columbia River Highway – Oregon
Nicknamed the “King of Roads,” this 70-mile historic byway hugs the Columbia River Gorge. Expect dramatic basalt cliffs, sweeping overlooks, and famous sights like Vista House and Multnomah Falls.
Rim Drive – Oregon
Encircling Crater Lake’s impossibly blue water, Rim Drive’s 33 miles are pure magic. Pullouts offer views of cliffs, islands, wildflowers, and forested slopes surrounding the deepest lake in the U.S.
More National Park Road Trips: Road Trip Ready: 20 National Parks with Scenic Drives
Highway 299 – California
Crossing Northern California from Redding to the Nevada border, Highway 299 is a rugged road full of ghost towns, wild forests, the Trinity Alps and enough spooky stories to fill a campfire night.
Silverado Trail – California
Running parallel to Highway 29, the Silverado Trail offers a quieter 30-mile ride through Napa Valley’s wineries and vineyards. It’s scenic, peaceful, and a wine-lover’s favorite.
Rim of the World Scenic Byway – California
This scenic byway gets it’s name because it rides along the edges of the San Bernadino Mountains. This byway delivers panoramic views of lakes, forests, and granite peaks, ending near Big Bear Lake, a year-round mountain escape.
Pacific Coast Highway / Big Sur – California
Few drives can compete with the drama of Highway 1 along Big Sur: crashing waves, teal waters, steep cliffs, redwood groves, and curves that feel straight out of a movie. This is one of the most well-known road trips in the country and for good reason! Put the top down, sunglasses on and feel the freedom of this curvy, ocean-hugging road.
San Juan Skyway – Colorado
Winding for 233 miles through the red hued San Juan Mountains, the San Juan Skyway is one of those roads that really is all about the drive. There are fascinating places to stop, from historic railroad town Durango to ski resort Telluride. You’ll see canyons, alpine lakes and beautiful vistas along the way.
Trail Ridge Road – Colorado
The highest paved road in the U.S. climbs through Rocky Mountain National Park, offering meadows full of wildflowers, fall foliage, elk, and sweeping mountain views across 48 unforgettable miles. If you’re looking for a peaceful, stunning drive visit in fall to see the beautiful reds, oranges and yellows!
Valley of the Gods Loop – Utah
This 17-mile unpaved loop is pure desert magic. Sandstone towers, scenic pullouts, narrow turns, and quiet solitude make it one of Utah’s most underrated drives. Valley of the Gods is part of Bears Ears National Monument so plan extra time to explore the area.
Forrest Gump Road – Utah
Located on US-163, this stretch through Monument Valley is famous for its movie moment – but the real star is the landscape: dramatic mesas, red rock buttes, and endless horizons. Monument Valley is one of the most photographed places on earth and once you explore here, you’ll understand why.
Scenic Byway 12 (aka “A Journey Through Time Scenic Byway”) – Utah
Stretching 123 miles, this All-American Road connects breathtaking desert landscapes, canyons, arches, and mountain vistas. You will even drive through two arches. Along the “Hogsback” between Escalante and Boulder, hairpin turns dare you on a road that drops off drastically from the shoulders down into deep canyons below. A quick detour to Escalante Petrified Forest is worth the stop. This is one road trip you won’t forget!
Route 50 – Nevada
“The Loneliest Road in America” lives up to its name, in the best way. Wide-open desert, mountains, blue skies, and long, quiet stretches give this Nevada drive an unforgettable wild-west vibe. But it’s not completely deserted- make pit stops in Austin, Eureka and Ely for Sagebrush Saloons, hot springs and outdoor fun. Detour to Great Basin National Park where you’ll find 5,000-year-old trees and really, really tall mountains.
Pro Tip: Pick up little souvenirs at each stop, like a post card or magnet to put in a memory box when you get home. I collect magnets and keep them on this magnet board. It’s fun looking at them and remembering the trip. If you prefer a memory box, Amazon has some cute ones.
Highway 89A – Arizona
This route through Oak Creek Canyon and Sedona features natural springs, red rock cliffs, forests, and stunning canyon views. Take it slow, the twists and switchbacks demand it. Highway 89A is a detour through Sedona from Highway 89 which runs from Mexico to Canda, which is dubbed America’s Most Scenic Road Trip and one of the longest.
Santa Fe to Taos Loop -New Mexico
Take the High Road to Taos through forests and mountain views, then the Low Road back along the Rio Grande and through a dramatic canyon. Together, they form a must-drive 165-mile loop. On the High Road there are many small towns and villages like Chimayó, where you’ll find the 19th-century Santuario de Chimayó. Enjoy the mighty Rio Grande on your way back where you’ll find wineries and artist studios in the small towns.
Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway – South Dakota
Travel 70 miles through the Black Hills via twisting tunnels, granite spires, Custer State Park, and iconic monuments like Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse. This byway will allow you to see the best sights in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Byway – Illinois
This 33-mile Illinois route follows one of the most scenic stretches of the Mississippi River, where three major rivers, Mississippi, Missouri, and Illinois converge.
Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway – Maine
A 35-mile route packed with lakes, mountain views, and charming New England scenery. The higher you climb, the more spectacular the views become including when – including Mooselookmeguntic Lake reveals itself.
Bold Coast Scenic Byway – Maine
This route could be named for the bold blue of the water, which the road skims right alongside. Or perhaps it’s just called the Bold Coast because this part of Maine, from Milbridge to Eastport, is so strikingly beautiful. No matter, this 125-mile coastal route winds past lobster wharfs, forests, cliffs, and peaceful harbors. Slow down, you’ll want to take in every beautiful detail.
Pro Tip: Make sure your car is safe before you head out on your road trip. Read our tips for prepping your car: Pre-Road Trip Checklist: Essential Prep for a Smooth Journey.
Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway – New York
There are more than two-dozen wineries along the shores of Cayuga Lake, one of New York state’s skinny Finger Lakes. Taking your time driving this 86-mile loop is well worth it. You’ll follow the water’s edge and pass state parks, fun villages and Montezuma Wildlife Refuge, home to bald eagles and waterfowl.
Highway 399 – Florida
This 22-mile coastal route through the Gulf Islands National Seashore delivers sugar-white dunes, pastel beach houses, and endless ocean views. If you love water, then this is the road trip for you.
Overseas Highway (US 1) – Florida Keys
One of America’s most iconic drives, the Overseas Highway feels like flying over turquoise water as long bridges connect the islands all the way to Key West. This 113-mile drive provides amazing views of islands, marine life and the ocean. You find countless places to stop along the way including two state parks and Dry Tortugas National Park.
Final Thoughts
From rugged mountain passes to ocean-hugging highways and quiet desert roads, the United States is full of scenic drives that showcase the country’s wild, diverse beauty. No matter where you wander, each route offers its own unforgettable views and road-trip memories. Whether you’re planning a long adventure or a quick getaway, these drives prove you don’t need endless time, just a tank of gas and the urge to explore.
For fun road trip ideas check out this book, Road Trip USA. We got some good ideas from it.
We didn’t include the two iconic road trips of Route 66 and the Blue Ridge Parkway since they cover many states and take more than a day to travel. We love to share information and tips we learn to help you plan your vacations. We hope to inspire you to find your adventures, have lots of fun and make many memories.
Learn More About Route 66 Road Trips: Guide to Arizona’s Mother Road: Route 66 Kicks and read more: Kick It Up on Route 66: New Mexico Bucket List