1. Pacific Coast Highway — California
The Pacific Coast Highway, known as California State Route 1, is one of California's most memorable coastal drives. Stretching from Monterey to Morro Bay, this journey offers stunning vistas and photo opportunities along its cliff-hugging turns. Iconic sights include the Bixby Creek Bridge, one of the tallest of its kind in the world, and the beautiful McWay Falls.
Traveling the Pacific Coast Highway immerses you in the power and drama of nature sculpted by ocean and earth. Each turn reveals new panoramic views of dramatic ocean cliffs and serene beaches. Stops like Point Lobos State Natural Reserve are a must for nature lovers, where you might spot sea otters playing in kelp or hear sea lions barking.
This classic route also offers a cultural experience. Towns like Carmel-by-the-Sea provide idyllic backdrops steeped in history, lined with inviting artisan shops and culinary delights. Explore fine art galleries or sample local cuisine for a delightful fusion of experiences.
Before embarking on this journey, check travel conditions, especially around the Big Sur area, which has faced closures due to landslides and road repairs. A journey along the Pacific Coast Highway offers an escape into a paradise marrying oceanic grandeur with sophisticated pit stops.
2. Overseas Highway — Florida
Florida's Overseas Highway takes travelers on a journey where the ocean meets the sky, connecting the Florida Keys. Officially designated as U.S. Highway 1, this route spans approximately 113 miles from Miami to Key West, offering endless opportunities to witness nature's beauty and partake in unique regional activities.
Frequent vistas showcase the Gulf of Mexico on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other, making every mile a photo opportunity. Bird enthusiasts might spot pelicans diving into the water, while a keen eye might catch stingrays undulating beneath the surface.
The Overseas Highway is also a passage through the Keys' rich culture and history. Each island tells a story of maritime adventures, pirate legends, and dreams of escapades.
- Islamorada is known for its world-class sport fishing.
- Key West boasts an eclectic artistic atmosphere and nightly sunset celebrations.
For those seeking more than scenic views, the Keys provide ample opportunities for unforgettable stops. Snorkeling in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park offers a colorful plunge into North America's only living coral barrier reef. History buffs can marvel at the storied past preserved at the Hemingway Home and Museum in Key West.
When navigating this highway, ensure to account for seasonal weather conditions as you prepare to embrace the gentle palette of sea and sky that constructs this remarkable corridor.
3. The Blue Ridge Parkway — Virginia & North Carolina
The Blue Ridge Parkway connects the Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah National Parks, offering a deep exploration of the rugged beauty and tranquility of mountain terrain. As you roll along at a leisurely pace, you'll find the thoroughfare lined with sprawling landscapes that shift with the seasons. Every curve offers a new vista, each unique, feeding the soul with calm and awakening a sense of wonder.
The parkway is dotted with numerous pull-offs and overlooks that compel one to pause and reflect.
- The Humpback Rocks offer sweeping visions of the land's undulating contours.
- The Peaks of Otter present a mix of hiking trails, waterfalls, and serene picnic spots.
For those inclined towards a deeper exploration, Mabry Mill exemplifies pioneer life with a historical mill that still grinds grain today. Visitors in summer can enjoy old-time music and dance demonstrations. Linville Falls, one of the most photographed waterfalls on the parkway, cascades gracefully into a rugged gorge.
The highest elevations culminate at Mount Pisgah in North Carolina, combining breathtaking overlooks, rigorous trails, and historic lodging at the Pisgah Inn, an ideal locale to watch the sunset.
Ensure your vehicle is prepared for mountain driving and immerse yourself in the rhythm of this stunning scenic drive, one that invites adventures into the heartbeat of America's rich Appalachian heritage.
4. Route 66 — Historical Path Across America
Embark on the quintessential American journey as you cruise along the iconic Route 66, stretching from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California. This legendary pathway rolls out an expansive canvas of the American spirit, embroidered with historic locales, unique eats, and echoes of a bygone era.
Starting in Chicago, Route 66 offers travelers an incredible variety of scenes, transitioning from urban landscapes to the pastoral calm of Illinois' farmlands. Small towns shimmer with the promise of simple pleasures – cozy diners, classic car shows, and welcoming residents.
As the road stretches through Missouri, pause in St. Louis to catch a picture beneath the towering Gateway Arch. Southwest Missouri invites curious visitors to explore its cavernous wonderland before entering the tangled Ozark landscapes.
Crossing into Oklahoma, the road takes a soulful turn. Oklahoma treats its travelers to countless museums, each paying homage to the road's historic stature. Vibrant murals and neon-sign artistry beckon from townsides.
In Texas, Amarillo's legendary steaks and vintage motel signs with buzzing neon beckon for a night's rest under starlit skies. The ghostly relics of old Route 66 form poignant reminders of times long gone.
New Mexico brings a flair of the Old West blended with Hispanic charm. Cities like Albuquerque and Santa Fe showcase vibrant art scenes and historic architectures under the backdrop of the Sandia Mountains.
Arizona's portion of Route 66 serves dramatic landscapes; the road clings to delicate skirts of the Colorado Plateau, swooping through towns that maintain much of their old-world charm. Consider boarding the Grand Canyon Railway for a detour or let the beauty of the Painted Desert seduce you at sunset.
The grand finale in California promenades you down to Santa Monica Pier where the road symbolically ends with a West Coast sigh into the Pacific.
Woven deep into the fabric of the American dream, Route 66 offers not just a remarkable drive but an unforgettable escapade into the heart strings of Americana.
5. Going-to-the-Sun Road — Montana
Journey through the breathtaking scenery on Montana's Going-to-the-Sun Road, a marvel of engineering that cuts through the heart of Glacier National Park. This remarkable road is named for the way it seems to ascend directly towards the sun as it climbs through the park's highest peaks.
The road spans 50 miles, traversing the entire park from west to east, and connects the park's two main visitors centers — Apgar Village on the west side and St. Mary on the east side. Its path provides one of the most comprehensive ways to appreciate the varied terrain of Glacier National Park without leaving your vehicle.
Going-to-the-Sun Road is best known for its spectacular vistas, which unfold like an unpainted canvas of raw nature. As you navigate sharp curves, each new view seems to compete with the last for splendor and majesty. Voyagers witness a rolling palette of deep blues and emerald greens, with pockets of glaciers that thread through the upper reaches of the mountains.
The road offers various pullouts and stopping points where you can enjoy the sights from different elevations, soak in viewpoints overlooking pristine alpine meadows and clear glacier-fed lakes, and possibly spot wildlife in their natural habitats. Sun Point is one spot where visitors can grasp sweeping panoramic views of Saint Mary Lake bordered by rugged mountain peaks.
Going-to-the-Sun Road is only fully accessible during the summer months, generally late June to October, as snow-covered paths in winter close the road beyond certain points. Due to its narrow and winding nature, vehicle restrictions exist – nothing over 21 feet in length is allowed.1 It's advisable to check current road conditions and any travel alerts before you set out on this grand adventure.
Completing a journey on Going-to-the-Sun Road imparts a sense of achievement akin to finishing a pilgrimage through an ancient land crowned by the heavens. Each mile offers a new revelation revealing that sometimes you don't just travel on the road, you become part of its story.
6. Hana Highway — Hawaii
Hawaii's Hana Highway is a scenic drive along Maui's coastline, offering a kaleidoscope of tropical landscapes. The road, known as "The Road to Hana," is an attraction in itself, with over 600 curves and 59 bridges, many only wide enough for a single vehicle. The narrow highway clings to the island's contours, providing close-up views of lush landscapes and cascading waterfalls.
The drive is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace, allowing for stops at scenic lookouts like Ho'okipa Lookout, where you can watch surfers riding the waves below. Further along, the Ke'anae Peninsula offers breathtaking views of taro fields against a backdrop of varied blue hues.
Roadside stands offer delicious local treats like fresh banana bread and exotic fruits from island orchards. These vendors not only provide sustenance but also a chance to interact with locals and experience island culture.
As you near the end of the journey in Hana, the simplicity of the destination might seem underwhelming compared to the vibrant journey itself. However, the true essence of the Hana Highway lies in the unplanned wonders encountered along the way, from chance encounters with locals to sudden rain showers that momentarily transform the landscape.
The Hana Highway redefines the concept of a road trip, offering a passageway into the untamed beauty and island life of Maui. It's an experience that engages all senses and leaves a lasting impact on those who embark on this coastal journey.
7. The Million Dollar Highway — Colorado
Colorado's Million Dollar Highway, part of the San Juan Skyway, is a 25-mile stretch of U.S. Route 550 between Silverton and Ouray. The road derives its name from the stunning landscapes it traverses and possibly from the folklore that it was paved with gold dust. Navigating this road is a thrilling experience, as it twists and turns through the San Juan Mountains, offering non-stop dramatic vistas alongside harrowing cliffs.
The route showcases historic mining towns and spectacular natural phenomena, with each season casting a unique allure over the vistas. Elevations are so high that drivers might find themselves cruising at cloud level, feeling the embrace of the sky.
Scenic stops like Bear Creek Falls, visible right off the highway, offer moments of startled wonder. The route also leads to breath-taking overlooks like the Red Mountain Pass, which whispers echoes of the region's mining history.
Towns like Silverton, an impeccably preserved Victorian relic, invite exploratory walks after the winding grips of the Million Dollar Highway. Here, visitors can learn about the area's mining past and enjoy local dining and folklore.
The highway ends in Ouray, dubbed the 'Switzerland of America' for its remarkable alpine setting. The crisp alpine air and sweeping views create lasting memories for those who traverse this legendary path.
The Million Dollar Highway showcases Colorado's geographical bravado and the human spirit that established roots in such challenging terrains. It's a route mapped in scenic glory and built on stories spanning each cliff drop and uphill battle against the elements.
8. Trail Ridge Road — Colorado
Trail Ridge Road in Colorado offers an invigorating adventure through Rocky Mountain National Park at elevations surpassing 12,000 feet. This roadway, the highest continuous paved road in the United States, provides an unparalleled journey above the tree line with views of alpine meadows and sharp peaks.1
Starting from either Estes Park or Grand Lake, this 48-mile path winds through diverse ecosystems, from montane and subalpine worlds to the raw beauty of the alpine tundra. The landscape unfolds with dramatic grandeur, offering breathtaking vistas and the chance to spot wildlife such as elk, bighorn sheep, and marmots.
Vantage points like Many Parks Curve and Rainbow Curve allow visitors to appreciate the expansive views. The landscape transforms with the seasons:
- Lush green summers
- Autumnal splashes of gold and crimson
- Frosted winter wonderland
Reaching the Alpine Visitor Center at the highest point offers a mix of exultation and serenity. Interpretive exhibits deepen the appreciation for this fragile high-altitude region, while hot cocoa can be enjoyed amidst the dramatic backdrop.
Trail Ridge Road is more than just a passage; it's a traverse across the roof of Colorado, where spirits soar. A drive here courses through an adventurous gambit above the clouds, urging one to embrace the wild whispers of the high Rockies.
9. Natchez Trace Parkway — Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile stretch that unravels the cultural and historic fabric of Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi. This storied route, once a series of trails used by Native Americans and early European settlers, is now a scenic byway that converses through centuries.
Starting in the gentle hills of Tennessee, the Parkway offers calming scenes and rugged woodland landscapes that gradually unfold into picturesque rolling vistas. As the road winds into Alabama, travelers encounter quaint towns dotted with antebellum homes that speak of the Old South.
Frequent stops along the way, like the Meriwether Lewis Monument near Hohenwald, Tennessee, remind visitors of America's audacious explorers. Brief wanders from the path lead to quiet creeks or solemn burial mounds, each an undisturbed witness to centuries.
Entering Mississippi, the parkway simmers under broader horizons where cotton blooms under the Southern sun. The road arcs through civil war sites and old kingdom lands, paths that Jesse James might have trodden or trails still echoing Cherokee legends. Literary lovers might be lured to Oxford, a picturesque town celebrated as a muse for the great American writer, William Faulkner.
Each halting point offers its own charm:
- Antebellum ruins cloaked under moss
- Tales of riverboat gamblers
- Fallen trees stark against vibrant greenery
Music enriches the air in Muscle Shoals, a town fabled in music history, while Tupelo, the birthplace of Elvis Presley, is a mandatory pilgrimage for those chasing the King's legacy.
Throughout the drive, tranquil nature reserves, stoic Civil War battlefields, and landmarks of Indigenous and European epochs thread finely into one seamless sojourn. The Natchez Trace Parkway serves as a meditative lineal park, a sanctuary of various eras assembled from storied layers.
The Parkway isn't just enjoyed; it's sensed—one harmonious mile at a time, serving both as a journey through natural grace and a profoundly paced saunter through history. In every summer breeze or chill of fallen winter leaves whispers a new story yet heard, inviting travelers to linger and listen to the tales unending.
10. Great River Road — Multiple States
Set off on a journey along the Great River Road and traverse the heartland of America, following the mighty Mississippi River for over 3,000 miles through 10 diverse states. From the tranquil headwaters in northern Minnesota to the deltas in Louisiana, each twist and turn of this road reveals its own slice of Americana, stitched together by the flowing tapestry of one of the world's most powerful rivers.
Your voyage begins in the gentle landscapes of Minnesota where small towns and sprawling farms reflect in the river's waters. Local eateries offer regional favorites like deep-fried walleye. This segment provides close interactions with nature, hosting migratory birds and serving as a playground for anglers.
As you edge toward Wisconsin, the landscape rises into towering bluffs, watching over historic river towns like La Crosse. These locales are rich with Indigenous and European history, nestled among lush valleys that beckon outdoor enthusiasts for hiking and eagle-watching.
Gliding into Iowa, embrace a Midwestern experience where hospitality resonates. Here, fields of corn ripple like golden oceans, defining much of the state's visual and cultural landscape — roadside stands offer fresh produce and unexpected conversations with locals.
Missouri offers a switch from natural panoramas to industrious cities. St. Louis, with its iconic Gateway Arch, reminisces about steamboat captains and river traders through its cobblestone streets and soaring landmarks.
Further south in Tennessee, the Great River Road snakes through Memphis. It's a city where barbecue reigns supreme, and musical legends such as the blues and rock 'n' roll pulse through the air. Make a pit stop at Graceland to explore the life and home of Elvis Presley, or catch a blues performance on Beale Street.
Arkansas' section offers a quieter chapter, where the road stretches through sleepy hamlets, embracing pauses for fishing and pondering over slow-moving waters that hold reflective tales of the Civil War and rich agricultural heritage.
Mississippi introduces you to the storied lands where cotton was once king. Towns like Vicksburg and Natchez feature historic homes standing testimony to fortunes made and lost, while also telling tales of strife and unity during seminal periods in American history.
Entering Louisiana, the river swells and widens, her banks lush with Spanish moss clinging to ancient oaks. The air is laden with spices as Cajun and Creole flavors fuse in bustling Baton Rouge and serene plantation estates that echo with fiddles and accordions play melodies that are both haunting and lively.
Throughout this grand expedition, the Great River Road offers endless opportunities to:
- Encounter vibrant cultural expressions
- Experience iconic music
- Savor delicious food
- Glimpse snapshots that reflect diverse slices of American life
- Contemplate the flow of history that has coursed alongside the river—shaping the nation from its native roots through European settlements to the eclectic modern-day communities1
