The most scenic drives in America are just waiting to be explored. Here’s our list of 10 of the most scenic drives in the USA that will leave you with unforgettable memories!
The USA has more than its fair share of scenic drives. From New England to the Wild West, plenty of places for you and your loved ones to get out on an adventure near or far from home!
Here we list 10 of the most scenic drives in the USA that will have any road-tripper wanting more:
Panoramic Route
The Panoramic Route in the USA is one of the most scenic drives you can take. The route takes you through some of the most beautiful countryside, including the Appalachian Mountains, the Shenandoah Valley, and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
You’ll also see some of the country’s most iconic landmarks, such as Mount Rushmore and the Grand Canyon.
If you’re looking for a breathtaking driving experience, then the Panoramic Route is definitely for you. The scenery is stunning, and there’s so much to see along the way. It’s one of the best road trips you can take in the USA.
Consider taking in some of America’s ten most scenic drives on your way. From sea to shining sea and everything in between, these routes don’t disappoint.
Pacific Coast Highway
Pacific Coast Highway – running down California’s gorgeous coastline is fun for all ages (and can be found here). If it rains, try Route 1, which winds around Point Lobos geological park, before ending up in Monterey County, where you’ll find beautiful coves with secluded beaches and perfect matchmaking opportunities.
Stretching from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Los Angeles, California, USA, it is a famous coastal beautiful highways. Often known as The PCH, it was immortalized in a song by Bobby Troup and made famous by Nat King Cole.
This spectacular route has been featured on television shows such as Baywatch and Route 66 and in movies such as Point Break and Iron Man 2, among others.
One of the most scenic drives in the USA is the Pacific Coast Highway. This beautiful highway runs along the coast of California and offers stunning ocean views. The drive is about 655 miles long and takes about 9 hours to complete.
There are plenty of places to stop and take in the scenery along the way. Some of the highlights include Big Sur, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Santa Barbara.
Skyline Drive
Skyline Drive is America’s most beautiful drive across Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. It’s a 225-mile, mostly two-lane road along the spine of Massanutten Mountain.
You can take one of many scenic overlooks and follow hiking trails from open-air covered bridges. While you don’t need an RV to enjoy Skyline Drive, it certainly wouldn’t hurt.
In the fall, Skyline Drive is one of the most beautiful drives in America. The leaves are changing colors, and the views are stunning.
You can stop at overlooks to take in the views and even hike some trails. There are also plenty of places to stay overnight so you can make a weekend of it.
Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway offers stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains. The Parkway is also home to various wildlife activities. Visitors can enjoy views of black bears, deer, and wild turkeys.
It runs along some of the highest mountains in Appalachia and passes through 16 national parks, including Shenandoah National Park. This spectacular roadway links major metropolitan areas like Charlotte, NC, and Roanoke, VA.
Route 66
Route 66 is one of America’s most iconic and well-known highways. The “Mother Road” runs from Chicago, Illinois, all the way to Santa Monica, California, and is one of the country’s most popular road trip routes.
Along the way, Route 66 takes visitors through some of America’s most beautiful and scenic landscapes.
Route 66 takes travelers through Glacier National Park, where they can see towering mountains, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife. This section of Route 66 is truly a nature lover’s paradise.
Another scenic drive that Route 66 offers is through the Badlands of South Dakota. This region is home to unique rock formations, bison, antelope, and other wildlife. The Badlands offer visitors a chance to experience true American frontier scenery.
Natchez Trace Parkway
The Natchez Trace runs through three states – Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama. The Parkway is a National Scenic Byway and part of the National Park System.
The Natchez Trace Parkway offers stunning countryside views and is a great way to experience the South. The drive takes you through forests, pastures, fields, rivers, and streams. You’ll also see historic sites and structures along the way.
If you’re looking for a scenic drive in the South, add the Natchez Trace Parkway to your list!
Historic Columbia River Highway
The Columbia River Highway is one of the most scenic drives in the USA. It runs along the Columbia River from Portland, Oregon, to eastern Washington. The highway is full of beautiful scenery, including waterfalls, cliffs, and forests.
It’s a great drive for anyone who loves nature and wants to see some of the most beautiful scenery in the country.
Driving along the Historic Columbia River Highway is one of the best ways to take in some of America’s most scenic views. If you are traveling to the USA on a budget, make sure you include a stop at this famous spot!
Going-to-the-Sun Road
One of the most scenic drives in the USA is along the Going-to-the-Sun Road in northern California. This road is a winding mountain route that takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the state.
Along the way, you’ll have views of forests, lakes, and mountains, and you may spot some wildlife. The drive is especially stunning in the autumn when the leaves change color.
The Going-to-the-Sun Road is worth checking out if you’re looking for a breathtaking driving experience.
For most people, Going-to-the-Sun Road refers to a popular stretch of road in Glacier National Park. Considered one of America’s most scenic drives, Going-to-the-Sun Road also attracts travelers for its historical significance.
Once upon a time, Going-to-the-Sun Road served as an important corridor for Native Americans and early European settlers alike. It wasn’t until 1926 that Going-to-the-Sun Road was paved and officially opened to traffic!
San Juan Skyway
The San Juan Skyway is one of the most scenic drives in the USA. This 236-mile loop takes you through some of the most beautiful countrysides in Montana.
You’ll see towering mountains, pristine lakes, and lush forests. It takes one day to drive through that area, but you enjoy the scenery. There are plenty of places to stop and explore at your own pace.
A favorite amongst those looking to take an active tour of Puerto Rico, you can stay fit while exploring these roadways. If you’re up for it, hike to El Yunque National Forest from the Camuy River and soak in views from above.
Make sure you take it slow as you travel on these roads with your budget traveling plan to the USA!
Superior Hiking Trail
The Superior Hiking Trail route has beautiful scenery and other natural views. You will see mountains, forests, and wildlife along the way. Tourists can enjoy hiking, camping, and fishing.
Traversing Northern Minnesota, there are more than 1,200 miles of hiking trails that crisscross some of the most scenic parts of the wilderness in America.
The Superior Hiking Trail is often considered one of the best among these trails. Visitors can plan a trip along with it that will take between three and five days, depending on how far they want to go.
Some famous scenic drive views in the USA
Some of the most scenic drives in the USA are located in the southern part of the country. From the bright lights of Miami to the historic city of Charleston, there is much to see and do in this region.
For those looking to get away from it all, a solo trip down one of these scenic drives is the perfect way to relax and take in the beauty of nature.
South America road trip
A South American road trip is an amazing way to see some of the most stunning scenery on the planet. There is so much to explore, from the Andes Mountains to the Amazon rainforest. Here are some of the most scenic drives in South America:
- The Pan-American Highway – This highway runs from Alaska to Argentina and is one of the longest highways in the world. It passes through some of the most diverse landscapes on the continent, including deserts, mountains, and rainforests.
- The Inca Trail – This ancient trail winds through Peru, past ruins of the Inca civilization, and through breathtaking mountain scenery. It’s a popular hike but can also be done by car.
Scenic driving South Carolina
South Carolina is one of the most beautiful states in the country, and there are plenty of scenic drives that showcase its natural beauty. From the mountains to the coast, there’s something for everyone.
A great option for scenic driving in south Carolina for a scenic drive is Highway 11. This route takes you through some of South Carolina’s best-kept secrets, including Table Rock State Park and Caesars Head State Park. The drive is full of twists and turns, so it’s perfect for those who love a good adventure.
Scenic drives northern California
If you’re looking for breathtaking views, you’ll want to check out these scenic drives in northern California. There’s something for everyone from the towering redwoods to the dramatic coastline.
The Avenue of the Giants is a must-see, and don’t forget to stop at one of the many state parks along the way.
Another beautiful drive is along Highway 1, which hugs the coast and offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Make sure to stop at Big Sur for some of California’s best vistas.
Finally, if you’re looking for a more rural experience, head inland on Highway 49. This winding road takes you through the gold country and quaint towns like Nevada City and Auburn.
Scenic drives long island
If you’re looking for a long island scenic drive, Long Island is the place to be. With its beautiful coastline and lush green landscapes, long island scenic drives is a nature lover’s paradise. Here are ten of the most scenic drives on Long Island:
- The Montauk Highway – Also known as Route 27, this road runs along the eastern shore of Long Island and offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
- Sunrise Highway – This road runs through the heart of Long Island and offers stunning landscape views.
- Northern State Parkway – This Parkway runs through the northern part of Long Island and offers breathtaking views of the Hudson River and the New York City skyline.
- Southern State Parkway – This Parkway runs through the southern part of Long Island and offers stunning views of Nassau County.
In short, it is an amazing experience to enjoy scenic drives on long island.
Weather Conditions In USA
The United States has a diverse range of climate conditions due to its large size and varied geographical features. The country experiences warm weather conditions in the south, cold weather in the north, and a wide range of temperature fluctuations.
The eastern and western regions of the country tend to have different weather patterns as well, with the east generally experiencing more precipitation than the west. Overall, the United States has a wide variety of weather and climate conditions, making it an interesting place to live.
FAQs on the most scenic drives in the USA
Q1. Which drives in the USA offer the most scenic views?
Are you looking to take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life? A road trip might be just what you need. And what better way to enjoy the journey than by taking in some of America’s most scenic views?
Whether you’re looking for mountain vistas, desert landscapes, or coastal views, there’s a road trip out there that’s perfect for you. To help get you started, we’ve rounded up 10 of the most scenic drives in the USA.
So buckle up and get ready for some seriously stunning scenery. From the majestic mountains of the West to the sandy beaches of Florida, these are some of the most beautiful highways stretches in America.
Q2. What makes a drive scenic?
When planning a solo trip South America, consider some of the continent’s most scenic drives. From the snow-capped Andes to the rugged coastline of Patagonia, there are plenty of breathtaking routes to choose from. It is amazing to enjoy a solo trip to south America.
Q3. Are there any drives that are underrated?
Are there any drives that are underrated? We asked 10 experts, and here’s what they said.
Regarding scenic Montana drives, it has some of the most beautiful in the country. The Beartooth Highway is one of the most popular, but if you’re looking for a little less traveled, try scenic Montana drives.
- Montana is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the United States. There is no shortage of breathtaking views, from the snow-capped mountains to the crystal-clear lakes.
- Many scenic Montana drives offer stunning views of the state’s natural beauty. One such drive is the Beartooth Highway, which winds its way through the Rocky Mountains. This drive offers spectacular views of glaciers, alpine meadows, and wildlife.
- Another scenic drive in Montana is the Going-to-the-Sun Road, which traverses Glacier National Park. This road provides access to some of the most popular attractions in the park, including Lake McDonald and Logan Pass. The road is a work of art, with its hairpin turns and dramatic elevation changes.
Q4. What’s your favorite scenic drive in the USA?
There are many scenic drives in the USA, but my favorite is the Pacific Coast Highway. This winding road hugs the coastline of California and offers stunning ocean views.
I love to stop at one of the many overlooks to take in the view and breathe in the fresh, salty air.
Another scenic drive that I enjoy is Route 66. This historic road takes you through some of America’s most iconic towns and cities, including Chicago, Springfield, and St. Louis. I always enjoy seeing the different sights and sounds along this route.
Finally, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the Blue Ridge Parkway. This beautiful drive takes you through Virginia’s the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The scenery is breathtaking, and there are plenty of opportunities to stop and hike or enjoy a picnic lunch with a view.
Q5. What is the most scenic drive you have ever been on?
The most scenic drive I have ever been on is the Pacific Coast Highway. The views are incredible, and there’s something special about driving along the coast. I would recommend this drive to anyone looking for beautiful scenery.
Another scenic drive that I enjoyed was the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia. The stunning views were a great way to see some of the Appalachian Mountains. It is a drive that I would recommend to anyone looking for beautiful mountain scenery.
