Last updated on December 12th, 2024 at 02:42 pm
The United States is home to some of the world’s most scenic drives. Offering stunning landscapes, diverse environments, and unique cultural experiences. From coastal highways to mountain passes, these routes showcase the natural beauty and rich history of America. This comprehensive guide will take you through some of the most scenic drives across America.
Pacific Coast Highway, California
The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), also known as California State Route 1. Stretches over 600 miles along the California coast, from Orange County in the south to Mendocino County in the north. This iconic route offers dramatic ocean views, picturesque coastal towns, and numerous attractions.
– Big Sur: This rugged and mountainous section between Carmel and San Simeon is known for its stunning cliffs, redwood forests, and scenic vistas. Don’t miss Bixby Creek Bridge and McWay Falls.
– Hearst Castle: Located in San Simeon, this historic estate offers guided tours showcasing its opulent architecture and art collections.
– Monterey Bay: Explore the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the charming town of Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Best Time to Visit. The best time to drive the PCH is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild, and the summer crowds have diminished.
Additional Activities
– Whale Watching: Take a boat tour to see gray and humpback whales, especially during migration seasons.
Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia to North Carolina
The Blue Ridge Parkway stretches 469 miles through the Appalachian Mountains. Connecting Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. Known as “America’s Favorite Drive,” this route offers stunning mountain vistas, diverse flora and fauna.
– Humpback Rocks: A scenic area with hiking trails and historical farm buildings.
– Mabry Mill: One of the most photographed spots on the parkway, featuring a historic gristmill.
– Linville Falls: A beautiful waterfall with several hiking trails offering different vantage points.
Best Time to Visit. Fall is the best time to visit.
Additional Activities
– Hiking: Numerous trails of varying difficulty are accessible from the parkway.
– Camping: Several campgrounds along the route offer the chance to experience the natural beauty up close.
Route 66, Illinois to California
Route 66, also known as the “Main Street of America,” runs from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, covering nearly 2,500 miles. This historic route is famous for its nostalgic charm, vintage motels, diners, and Americana landmarks.
– Cadillac Ranch: An art installation in Amarillo, Texas, featuring half-buried, graffiti-covered Cadillacs.
– Petrified Forest National Park: Located in Arizona, this park showcases fossilized trees dating back over 200 million years.
– Santa Monica Pier: The western terminus of Route 66, offering an amusement park, aquarium, and beautiful ocean views.
Best Time to Visit. Spring and fall are ideal times to travel Route 66.
Additional Activities
– Museums: Visit Route 66 museums in various states to learn about the history and cultural impact of this iconic highway.
– Roadside Attractions: Explore quirky and unique attractions along the route, such as the Blue Whale of Catoosa in Oklahoma and the Wigwam Motel in California.
Great River Road, Minnesota to Louisiana
The Great River Road follows the course of the Mississippi River for 3,000 miles. This scenic byway offers a mix of natural beauty, historical sites, and vibrant river towns.
– Itasca State Park: The source of the Mississippi River, where you can walk across the headwaters.
– Vicksburg National Military Park: A Civil War battlefield site in Mississippi.
– French Quarter: The historic heart of New Orleans, known for its lively music scene, cuisine, and architecture.
Best Time to Visit. Spring and fall offer mild weather and beautiful scenery along the Great River Road.
Additional Activities
– Boating and Fishing: Enjoy water activities on the Mississippi River.
– Historical Tours: Visit antebellum homes and museums to learn about the region’s history.
Alaska's Seward Highway
The Seward Highway stretches 127 miles from Anchorage to Seward. Offering breathtaking views of mountains, glaciers, and coastal landscapes. This scenic drive provides a true Alaskan experience with abundant wildlife and outdoor activities.
– Turnagain Arm: A stunning waterway known for its tidal bores and Dall sheep sightings.
– Kenai Fjords National Park: Accessible from Seward, this park features glaciers, wildlife, and boat tours.
– Exit Glacier: A glacier that you can hike to and explore up close.
Best Time to Visit. Summer is the best time to drive the Seward Highway, with long daylight hours and warmer temperatures.
Additional Activities
– Wildlife Viewing: Look for bears, moose, and whales along the route.
– Fishing: Try your hand at salmon and halibut fishing in Seward.
Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana
Going-to-the-Sun Road is a 50-mile scenic drive through Glacier National Park in Montana. This route traverses the Continental Divide, offering spectacular mountain views, glacial lakes, and abundant wildlife.
– Logan Pass: The highest point on the road, offering hiking trails and stunning vistas.
– Lake McDonald: The largest lake in the park, with crystal-clear waters and scenic boat tours.
– Wild Goose Island: A picturesque island in St. Mary Lake, perfect for photography.
Best Time to Visit. Summer is the best time to drive Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Additional Activities
– Hiking: Explore the park’s many trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes.
– Camping: Stay overnight at one of the park’s campgrounds for an immersive experience.
The Loneliest Road, Nevada
U.S. Route 50, known as “The Loneliest Road in America,” stretches across Nevada. Offering a remote and starkly beautiful desert landscape (Scenic Drives in the USA). This 287-mile drive between Ely and Fallon is characterized by wide-open spaces, mountain ranges, and historic mining towns.
– Great Basin National Park: Features the Lehman Caves and the ancient bristlecone pines.
– Eureka: A well-preserved 19th-century mining town with historical buildings and museums.
– Sand Mountain Recreation Area: An impressive sand dune perfect for off-road vehicle enthusiasts.
Best Time to Visit. Spring and fall are ideal times to drive The Loneliest Road, offering pleasant weather and fewer tourists.
Additional Activities
– Stargazing: Enjoy the dark skies for incredible stargazing opportunities.
– Ghost Towns: Explore abandoned mining towns along the route.
Hana Highway, Hawaii
The Hana Highway, also known as the Road to Hana, is a 64-mile drive along Maui’s northeastern coast. This winding road is famous for its lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and scenic ocean views.
– Twin Falls: A popular stop with accessible waterfalls and swimming holes.
– Waianapanapa State Park: Features a black sand beach, sea caves, and coastal trails.
– Seven Sacred Pools: A series of waterfalls and pools at Ohe’o Gulch in Haleakalā National Park.
Best Time to Visit. Spring and fall are the best times to drive the Hana Highway.
Additional Activities
– Hiking: Explore the many trails along the route.
– Beachcombing: Enjoy the unique beaches and oceanfront parks.
Million Dollar Highway, Colorado
The Million Dollar Highway, part of U.S. Route 550, stretches for 25 miles between Silverton and Ouray in Colorado. This mountainous route offers dramatic views of the San Juan Mountains, steep cliffs, and historic mining towns.
– Red Mountain Pass: The highest point on the highway, offering panoramic mountain views.
– Ouray: Known as the “Switzerland of America,” this charming town features hot springs and Victorian architecture.
– Silverton: A historic mining town with a scenic railroad and outdoor adventures.
Best Time to Visit. Summer and early fall.
Additional Activities
– Hiking and Biking: Enjoy trails and scenic paths in the surrounding areas.
– Hot Springs: Relax in the natural hot springs in Ouray.
Natchez Trace Parkway, Mississippi to Tennessee
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile scenic drive. Through Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee, following an ancient Native American trail. This historic route offers lush landscapes, historical sites, and recreational opportunities.
– Emerald Mound: One of the largest mounds built by Native Americans in the United States.
– Tupelo: The birthplace of Elvis Presley, featuring his childhood home and a museum.
– Jackson Falls: A beautiful waterfall accessible via a short hike.
Best Time to Visit. Spring and fall are the best times to drive the Natchez Trace Parkway.
Additional Activities
– Cycling: The parkway is popular with cyclists due to its smooth roads and scenic views.
– Camping: Several campgrounds along the route offer overnight stays.
Highway 12, Utah
Highway 12, also known as Scenic Byway 12, is a 124-mile route through southern Utah, connecting Capitol Reef National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park. This drive offers stunning red rock landscapes, canyons, and unique geological formations.
– Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument: Features slot canyons, arches, and scenic vistas.
– Calf Creek Falls: A beautiful waterfall accessible via a scenic hike.
– Boulder Mountain: Offers panoramic views and diverse wildlife.
Best Time to Visit. Spring and fall are the best times to drive Highway 12.
Additional Activities
– Hiking: Explore numerous trails and natural wonders along the route.
– Photography: Capture the stunning landscapes and unique rock formations.
Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire
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The Kancamagus Highway, also known as Route 112, is a 34.5-mile scenic drive through New Hampshire’s White Mountain National Forest. This route offers breathtaking mountain views, forested landscapes, and beautiful fall foliage.
– Sabbaday Falls: A picturesque waterfall with easy trail access.
– Rocky Gorge: A scenic spot with walking trails and picnic areas.
– Albany Covered Bridge: A historic covered bridge offering great photo opportunities.
Best Time to Visit. Fall is the best time to drive the Kancamagus Highway.
Additional Activities
– Hiking: Numerous trails offer varying levels of difficulty and scenic views.
– Camping: Campgrounds along the highway provide a great way to experience the natural beauty.
Red Rock Scenic Byway, Arizona
The Red Rock Scenic Byway, also known as State Route 179, is a 7.5-mile drive through the stunning red rock landscapes of Sedona, Arizona. This short but spectacular route offers dramatic views of red rock formations, cultural sites, and outdoor activities.
– Bell Rock: A popular hiking and photography spot known for its distinctive shape.
– Chapel of the Holy Cross: A beautiful chapel built into the red rocks, offering panoramic views.
– Sedona: A vibrant town with art galleries, shops, and restaurants.
Best Time to Visit. Spring and fall.
Additional Activities
– Hiking and Biking: Numerous trails offer opportunities for outdoor exploration.
– Jeep Tours: Take a guided tour to explore the rugged terrain and hidden gems.
Cascade Loop, Washington
The Cascade Loop is a 440-mile scenic drive through Washington State. Offering diverse landscapes including mountains, forests, and waterways. This route showcases the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest and offers numerous recreational activities.
– Stevens Pass: A mountain pass offering skiing in winter and hiking in summer.
– Leavenworth: A Bavarian-style village with unique shops, restaurants, and festivals.
– North Cascades National Park: Features rugged mountains, glaciers, and pristine lakes.
Best Time to Visit. Summer and early fall are the best times to drive the Cascade Loop, with warm weather and clear roads.
Additional Activities
– Wildlife Viewing: Look for wildlife such as black bears, deer, and eagles.
– Water Sports: Enjoy kayaking, boating, and fishing in the many lakes and rivers.
Big Sur, California
Big Sur is a 90-mile stretch of rugged coastline along California’s Highway 1, between Carmel and San Simeon. This scenic drive offers breathtaking ocean views, towering redwoods, and dramatic cliffs.
– Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park: Offers hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints.
– Bixby Creek Bridge: An iconic bridge with stunning views of the coastline.
– Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park: Home to McWay Falls, an 80-foot waterfall that flows directly into the ocean.
Best Time to Visit. Spring and fall are the best times to visit Big Sur, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds.
Additional Activities
– Camping: Several campgrounds offer the chance to stay overnight in this beautiful area.
– Beachcombing: Explore the many beaches and tide pools along the coast.
Conclusion
The USA offers some of the most scenic drives in the world, each with its unique landscapes and experiences. Whether you’re exploring the rugged coastlines of California, the lush forests of the Pacific Northwest, or the historic highways of the East Coast, these routes provide endless opportunities for adventure and discovery. Plan your trip, pack your bags, and hit the road to experience the breathtaking beauty of America’s scenic drives. Safe travels!
