19 U.S. Destinations with Scenic Drives That Will Take Your Breath Away
Sometimes the journey is just as beautiful as the destination, and the U.S. is home to some of the most stunning scenic drives in the world.
Whether you’re cruising along the coast, winding through mountain ranges, or driving through desert landscapes, these routes offer breathtaking views that make every mile unforgettable.
For road trip lovers and scenic view seekers, these 19 U.S. destinations promise jaw-dropping landscapes, diverse terrains, and peaceful escapes from the everyday hustle.
Get ready to hit the road and experience the beauty of America from behind the wheel.
1. Pacific Coast Highway, California
The Pacific Coast Highway is an iconic American drive, offering sweeping ocean views.
Stretching from San Francisco to Los Angeles, this route hugs the coastline with stunning cliffs, beaches, and sea stacks.
Don’t miss the chance to stop in Big Sur for a truly awe-inspiring view.
2. Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina
The Blue Ridge Parkway is known for its scenic beauty, winding through the Appalachian Mountains.
With vibrant fall foliage, misty mornings, and endless mountain vistas, this drive is a nature lover’s paradise.
Take your time and stop at scenic overlooks along the way.
Like The Modern Day Adventurer’s content? Follow us on MSN.
3. Great River Road, Mississippi River
This scenic drive follows the mighty Mississippi River, offering picturesque views of the water and surrounding landscapes.
It stretches through 10 states, from Minnesota to Louisiana, showcasing river towns and rural beauty.
The route is rich in history and charm, perfect for a leisurely road trip.
4. Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana
Located in Glacier National Park, Going-to-the-Sun Road is a dramatic drive through the heart of the Rockies.
The road climbs up to Logan Pass, offering breathtaking views of rugged peaks, alpine meadows, and glacial lakes.
It’s a must for anyone seeking a mountain adventure.
5. Route 66, Illinois to California
Known as “The Mother Road,” Route 66 is one of the most famous drives in the U.S.
Stretching from Chicago to Los Angeles, this historic route takes you through deserts, small towns, and iconic roadside attractions.
It’s a nostalgic journey through Americana.
Like The Modern Day Adventurer’s content? Follow us on MSN.
6. Scenic Byway 12, Utah
Utah’s Scenic Byway 12 offers stunning views of red rock formations and vast canyons.
This route passes through Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Parks, providing endless opportunities for adventure.
It’s a visual feast of towering cliffs and desert landscapes.
7. Hana Highway, Maui, Hawaii
The Hana Highway is a winding road that takes you through lush rainforests, waterfalls, and coastal cliffs.
With over 600 turns and 50 bridges, this drive is as thrilling as it is beautiful.
Be sure to stop and explore hidden beaches and local food stands along the way.
8. Beartooth Highway, Wyoming and Montana
The Beartooth Highway is a high-altitude drive that offers jaw-dropping mountain views.
It traverses the rugged Beartooth Mountains, climbing up to over 10,000 feet in elevation.
You’ll be rewarded with stunning alpine lakes, wildflowers, and snow-capped peaks.
Like The Modern Day Adventurer’s content? Follow us on MSN.
9. Overseas Highway, Florida
This unique drive connects the Florida Keys with a series of bridges over crystal-clear waters.
The Overseas Highway offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.
It’s the perfect route for those seeking a tropical road trip experience.
10. Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire
The Kancamagus Highway is known for its stunning fall foliage, winding through the White Mountains.
The route offers sweeping views of forests, rivers, and mountain peaks, making it a popular autumn destination.
It’s an ideal drive for leaf-peepers and nature enthusiasts alike.
11. Seward Highway, Alaska
The Seward Highway takes you through some of Alaska’s most stunning landscapes, from glaciers to fjords.
This route runs from Anchorage to Seward, offering incredible views of mountains, waterfalls, and wildlife.
Keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles, moose, and whales along the way.
Like The Modern Day Adventurer’s content? Follow us on MSN.
12. Million Dollar Highway, Colorado
The Million Dollar Highway offers hairpin turns and dramatic drops through Colorado’s San Juan Mountains.
This scenic drive is not for the faint of heart, but the views of towering peaks and deep canyons are worth it.
It’s one of the most thrilling mountain drives in the U.S.
13. Columbia River Gorge Scenic Byway, Oregon
The Columbia River Gorge Scenic Byway offers lush forests, waterfalls, and dramatic river views.
Multnomah Falls, the tallest waterfall in Oregon, is a highlight of this stunning route.
It’s a peaceful and refreshing drive through one of the Pacific Northwest’s most beautiful regions.
14. Skyline Drive, Virginia
Skyline Drive runs the length of Shenandoah National Park, offering breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The road is especially popular during fall, when the trees are ablaze with color.
Wildlife sightings, including deer and black bears, add to the charm of this scenic drive.
Like The Modern Day Adventurer’s content? Follow us on MSN.
15. Natchez Trace Parkway, Mississippi to Tennessee
This historic route takes you through forests, swamps, and rolling hills.
The Natchez Trace Parkway is perfect for those seeking a slower-paced, peaceful drive with plenty of history.
It’s a beautiful journey through the heart of the American South.
16. Route 100, Vermont
Route 100 in Vermont is a picturesque drive through charming small towns and rolling countryside.
Known for its stunning fall foliage, this route offers a quintessential New England experience.
Vermont’s scenic farms, covered bridges, and mountain views make it a perfect autumn road trip.
17. Lake Tahoe Scenic Drive, California and Nevada
Lake Tahoe’s scenic drive offers stunning views of the crystal-clear lake and surrounding Sierra Nevada Mountains.
The drive circles the lake, with plenty of opportunities to stop for hikes, beaches, and panoramic views.
It’s a peaceful and breathtaking way to experience one of America’s most beautiful lakes.
Like The Modern Day Adventurer’s content? Follow us on MSN.
18. Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway, Arkansas
This drive takes you through the rolling hills and dense forests of the Ozarks.
The Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway is especially beautiful in the fall, with vibrant colors and peaceful landscapes.
It’s a hidden gem for those seeking a serene, nature-filled road trip.
19. Cape Cod Scenic Byway, Massachusetts
The Cape Cod Scenic Byway offers charming seaside views and historic towns.
The route takes you through sandy beaches, lighthouses, and classic New England landscapes.
It’s a perfect drive for those looking to experience coastal beauty and quaint villages.
More from The Modern Day Adventurer
- Global Coffee Capitals: 16 Cities Every Coffee Enthusiast Needs to Explore
- Explore These 19 Iconic Religious Sites for a Spiritual Journey
- 17 Must-Visit Cities for Anyone Obsessed with Movies
- 18 Best Cities to Explore in South America for an Unforgettable Trip
- Top 18 Relaxing Weekend Destinations Just Hours from New York City
Like The Modern Day Adventurer’s content? Follow us on MSN.
