17 Scenic U.S. Road Trips Every Photographer Should Experience
There’s something about a great road trip that excites the adventurer and photographer alike. With breathtaking landscapes and diverse terrain, the U.S. is home to some of the most picturesque drives in the world.
Whether you’re capturing rugged coastlines, towering mountains, or desert vistas, these scenic road trips offer endless opportunities for stunning photography. From sweeping landscapes to hidden gems, here are 17 U.S. road trips that will take your photography to the next level.
Grab your camera, hit the road, and discover the beauty waiting around every turn.
1. Pacific Coast Highway, California
This iconic road trip along Highway 1 takes you from Los Angeles to San Francisco, with incredible coastal views. The towering cliffs, endless ocean, and charming seaside towns provide a photographer’s dream backdrop for stunning shots.
2. Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina & Virginia
The Blue Ridge Parkway offers 469 miles of scenic mountain landscapes, perfect for capturing nature in all its glory. In the fall, the vibrant foliage creates a kaleidoscope of colors, making it one of the most photographed roads in the U.S.
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3. Route 66, Illinois to California
Known as the “Main Street of America,” Route 66 is full of quirky roadside attractions and wide-open desert landscapes. It’s a nostalgic journey through small-town America, with countless opportunities for capturing vintage-inspired photography.
4. Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana
This drive through Glacier National Park offers breathtaking mountain views, glacial lakes, and diverse wildlife. The stunning alpine scenery makes it a paradise for photographers looking to capture majestic natural beauty.
5. Overseas Highway, Florida Keys
The Overseas Highway connects the Florida Keys, with endless ocean views and vibrant sunsets. The 113-mile drive over the turquoise waters is perfect for capturing tropical beauty and dramatic horizons.
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6. Million Dollar Highway, Colorado
This jaw-dropping route takes you through the heart of the San Juan Mountains, with hairpin turns and sweeping mountain vistas. Photographers will love the rugged, snow-capped peaks and vibrant alpine forests lining this exhilarating drive.
7. Great River Road, Mississippi River
The Great River Road follows the Mississippi River from Minnesota to Louisiana, offering a mix of natural beauty and historical landmarks. From charming river towns to dramatic river views, this trip provides endless photo-worthy moments.
8. Alaska’s Seward Highway, Alaska
Seward Highway is an awe-inspiring journey that combines towering mountains, glaciers, and coastal landscapes. With opportunities to photograph everything from whales to waterfalls, this Alaskan adventure is a photographer’s dream.
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9. Utah’s Scenic Byway 12, Utah
This route takes you through the heart of southern Utah’s red rock country, passing through Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef. The striking red cliffs and unique rock formations create a surreal landscape for stunning photos at every turn.
10. Natchez Trace Parkway, Mississippi to Tennessee
This historic parkway offers serene, forested landscapes and sites rich in Native American and colonial history. With its quiet beauty and natural serenity, the parkway is perfect for capturing peaceful, reflective images.
11. Highway 101, Oregon Coast
This route along the Oregon Coast offers dramatic ocean views, lush forests, and picturesque lighthouses. Photographers can capture rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and the iconic Haystack Rock along this stunning drive.
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12. Beartooth Highway, Wyoming & Montana
One of the highest roads in the U.S., Beartooth Highway offers panoramic views of snow-capped mountains and alpine meadows. It’s a remote, exhilarating drive that rewards photographers with jaw-dropping views and untouched wilderness.
13. Skyline Drive, Virginia
Skyline Drive runs through Shenandoah National Park, offering stunning vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With its winding roads and vibrant foliage in autumn, it’s a fantastic spot for capturing mountain scenery.
14. Badlands Loop State Scenic Byway, South Dakota
This scenic drive through Badlands National Park showcases unique rock formations and vast prairies. The surreal, otherworldly landscape provides dramatic contrasts and shadows, perfect for striking desert photography.
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15. Hana Highway, Maui, Hawaii
The Hana Highway offers lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and coastal views on the island of Maui. This winding road provides endless opportunities for photographers to capture the tropical beauty of Hawaii.
16. Acadia National Park Loop, Maine
The scenic loop in Acadia National Park offers sweeping coastal views, granite cliffs, and dense forests. With its rugged coastline and vibrant fall colors, this drive provides countless opportunities for capturing New England’s natural beauty.
17. Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, Utah
This road cuts through the towering red rock canyons of Zion National Park, offering breathtaking views at every turn. The dramatic sandstone formations and deep canyons provide photographers with an extraordinary backdrop for their shots.
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