With our list of the ten most beautiful road trips in North America, you can start a trip through some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. The different beauty of the land can be seen along these routes, which go from rough coastlines to tall mountains and wide deserts. People who like excitement, wildlife, and road trips all in equal measure will love them. Imagine going along the Pacific Coast Highway in California, where waves crash against beautiful cliffs, or the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Appalachians, where the fall foliage is bright and beautiful. Get to know the famous Route 66, which is full of history and Americana, or go to Colorado’s San Juan Skyway to see the most beautiful views of the Rocky Mountains.
Glaciers cut valleys in Montana’s Going to the Sun Road and strange red rock formations in Utah’s Scenic Byway 12 are just two examples of the beautiful scenery that can be seen on any road trip. The roads in question not only have beautiful views, but they also have cute little towns, hidden gems, and endless photo possibilities. When you take these beautiful road trips, you will have memories that you will never forget, whether you are looking for a sunset or to look at the stars. Get ready for your next trip with our complete guide. It’s full of tips on how to make the most of your trip and see the best of North America’s natural beauty.
The Top Ten Most Scenic Road Trips To Try In North America
10. Hana Highway (Maui, Hawaii)
The Hana Highway, often called the Road to Hana, is a 64-mile tropical escape along Maui’s northeastern coast, stretching from Kahului to the quaint town of Hana. This scenic drive is famous for its 600-plus curves and 59 bridges, weaving through lush rainforests, past cascading waterfalls, and alongside dramatic ocean cliffs. Stops like Twin Falls offer refreshing swims, while Waianapanapa State Park dazzles with its black sand beach, sea caves, and lava tubes. The Seven Sacred Pools at Oheo Gulch provide serene pools for relaxation, and Haleakala National Park nearby beckons with hiking trails and volcanic vistas.
The narrow, winding road demands patience, but the reward is a paradise of greenery and coastal beauty. Travelers can stop in Hana for local food or extend their journey to explore hidden beaches. Ideal for photographers and nature lovers, this route is a must for experiencing Hawaii’s raw, untouched charm. Plan for a full day, as cell service is spotty, and the drive is best enjoyed slowly to soak in every stunning view.
9. Great River Road (Minnesota to Louisiana)
Stretching over 3,000 miles along the Mississippi River, the Great River Road is an epic scenic byway spanning ten states, from Minnesota’s Itasca State Park to New Orleans, Louisiana. This journey traces the river’s path through diverse landscapes, from northern bluffs to southern bayous, offering a deep dive into America’s heartland. In Minnesota, visit the Mississippi’s headwaters, where you can wade across the river’s humble beginnings. Further south, Hannibal, Missouri, brings Mark Twain’s legacy to life, while Memphis, Tennessee, pulses with music history at Graceland and Beale Street. Vicksburg, Mississippi, offers Civil War sites, and New Orleans dazzles with jazz, Creole cuisine, and the French Quarter.
Small river towns dot the route, each with unique charm, from antique shops to historic plantations. Perfect for history buffs and culture enthusiasts, this drive blends natural beauty with Americana. Travelers can break the journey into segments, with spring and fall offering mild weather and vibrant scenery. Expect a mix of rural roads and bustling cities, making this a road trip of endless discovery.
8. Overseas Highway (Florida Keys)
The Overseas Highway, a 113-mile stretch of US-1, connects mainland Florida to Key West, offering a surreal drive over turquoise waters and 42 bridges, including the iconic Seven Mile Bridge. This scenic road trip through the Florida Keys is a tropical paradise, with the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico framing every mile. Start in Key Largo, a snorkeler’s haven with John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, then head to Islamorada for world-class fishing. Marathon offers family-friendly beaches and the Turtle Hospital, while Big Pine Key is home to the National Key Deer Refuge, where you can spot tiny Key deer.
The journey ends in vibrant Key West, with attractions like the Hemingway House, Mallory Square’s sunset celebrations, and ferry trips to Dry Tortugas National Park for pristine beaches and historic Fort Jefferson. Ideal for relaxation and water activities, this drive is best in winter or spring to avoid hurricane season. The Overseas Highway delivers postcard-perfect views and laid-back island vibes, making it a must for coastal adventure seekers.
7. Natchez Trace Parkway (Tennessee to Mississippi)
The Natchez Trace Parkway, a 444-mile scenic drive from Nashville, Tennessee, to Natchez, Mississippi, follows an ancient trail once traveled by Native Americans and early settlers. This tranquil route winds through forests, rivers, and rolling hills, offering a blend of history and natural beauty. Key stops include the Bynum Mounds, a Native American archaeological site, and the Meriwether Lewis Site, where the explorer is buried. The Cypress Swamp boardwalk trail in Mississippi provides a serene walk among bald cypress trees, while Tupelo, Elvis Presley’s birthplace, adds a touch of rock ‘n’ roll history.
The Windsor Ruins, remnants of a grand antebellum mansion, offer a haunting glimpse into the past. With no commercial traffic and a leisurely 50 mph speed limit, this drive is perfect for those seeking peace and reflection. Hiking trails, picnic spots, and historical markers abound, making it ideal for year-round exploration, though spring blooms and fall colors enhance the scenery. The Natchez Trace is a journey through time, inviting travelers to slow down and savor America’s heritage.
6. Scenic Byway 12 (Utah)
Utah’s Scenic Byway 12 is a 123-mile masterpiece connecting Bryce Canyon National Park to Capitol Reef National Park, showcasing the state’s iconic red rock landscapes. This scenic drive begins with Bryce Canyon’s otherworldly hoodoos, where sunrise views are unforgettable. The route passes through Red Canyon’s fiery arches and continues to Escalante, gateway to the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, with slot canyons and petrified dunes for adventurous hikers. Climbing Boulder Mountain offers sweeping vistas of the Henry Mountains, before descending into Capitol Reef’s Waterpocket Fold, a 100-mile geological marvel of colorful cliffs and domes. Stops like Kiva Koffeehouse provide a cozy break, while trails like Hickman Bridge offer stunning photo opportunities.
This drive is a paradise for geologists, photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts, with spring and fall offering cooler temperatures for hiking. The route’s remote stretches demand preparation, but the reward is a front-row seat to Utah’s wild, rugged beauty. Scenic Byway 12 is a bucket-list adventure for anyone craving the Southwest’s dramatic landscapes.
5. Going-to-the-Sun Road (Montana)
The Going-to-the-Sun Road, a 50-mile engineering marvel through Glacier National Park, is one of North America’s most breathtaking drives. Connecting Lake McDonald to St. Mary Lake, this route climbs to Logan Pass at 6,646 feet, offering jaw-dropping views of glaciers, alpine meadows, and jagged peaks. Highlights include the Weeping Wall, where water cascades onto the road, and the Jackson Glacier Overlook for stunning vistas. Logan Pass is a hub for hiking, with trails like Hidden Lake leading to pristine vistas and wildlife sightings of bighorn sheep or grizzly bears.
Open only from late June to early October due to heavy snow, this drive requires vehicle reservations during peak season. The road’s narrow, winding path demands focus, but countless pullouts allow for safe photo stops. Ideal for nature lovers and photographers, this route showcases Glacier National Park’s pristine wilderness. Travelers should pack layers for unpredictable weather and arrive early to avoid crowds. The Going-to-the-Sun Road is a once-in-a-lifetime journey through Montana’s untamed beauty, leaving lasting memories of its majestic landscapes.
4. San Juan Skyway (Colorado)
The San Juan Skyway, a 236-mile loop through Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, is a thrilling adventure through some of the Rockies’ most stunning scenery. Starting in Durango, travelers can ride the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad for a scenic detour through canyons. The route heads to Silverton, a charming mining town, then tackles the Million Dollar Highway, a heart-pounding stretch of hairpin turns and cliffside views between Silverton and Ouray, known as the “Switzerland of America.” Telluride, with its ski resorts and summer festivals, offers a vibrant stop before looping back through Dolores.
The San Juan National Forest provides hiking, fishing, and camping opportunities, while ancient Anasazi ruins near Cortez add historical depth. This drive is ideal for adventure seekers, with summer and fall offering the best conditions, though winter may close higher sections. The combination of towering cradle mountains and quaint towns makes this a must-do for mountain lovers. Travelers should prepare for steep grades and check road conditions, ensuring a safe and unforgettable journey through Colorado’s alpine splendor.
3. Route 66 (Illinois to California)
Route 66, known as the Mother Road, stretches 2,400 miles from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, offering a nostalgic journey through America’s heart. This historic highway captures the essence of Americana, with quirky roadside attractions, neon-lit diners, and vibrant small towns. Starting in Chicago, highlights include the Gemini Giant statue in Wilmington, Illinois, and the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri.
In Oklahoma, the Route 66 Museum in Clinton tells the road’s story, while Texas’s Cadillac Ranch invites visitors to spray paint vintage cars. Arizona’s Petrified Forest National Park and a detour to the Grand Canyon add natural wonders, and the journey ends at Santa Monica Pier’s iconic Ferris wheel. Perfect for history buffs and road trip enthusiasts, this drive blends retro charm with stunning landscapes. Spring and fall are ideal to avoid summer heat, and travelers should plan for frequent stops to enjoy diners and motels. Route 66 is a cultural time capsule, offering a mix of adventure and nostalgia that celebrates America’s love for the open road.
2. Blue Ridge Parkway (North Carolina to Virginia)
The Blue Ridge Parkway, a 469-mile ribbon through the Appalachian Mountains, connects Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. Known for its vibrant fall foliage, this scenic drive offers rolling hills, misty peaks, and endless overlooks. Key stops include Mabry Mill, a picturesque gristmill, and the Folk Art Center, showcasing Appalachian crafts. In Virginia, the Shenandoah Valley provides sweeping views, while North Carolina’s higher peaks, like Mount Mitchell, offer hiking adventures.
The 45 mph speed limit encourages a leisurely pace, perfect for soaking in wildflower meadows and wildlife sightings. Ideal for nature lovers and photographers, the parkway is stunning year-round, with fall being peak season for colorful leaves. Trails like Linville Falls and cultural sites like the Blue Ridge Music Center add depth to the journey. Travelers should pack picnic supplies and check for seasonal road closures. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a serene escape, blending natural beauty with Appalachian heritage, making it a top choice for a relaxing road trip.
1. Pacific Coast Highway (California to Washington)
The Pacific Coast Highway, or PCH, spans over 1,600 miles from San Diego, California, to Seattle, Washington, offering the ultimate coastal road trip. This scenic drive hugs the Pacific Ocean, delivering jaw-dropping views of rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and redwood forests. In California, highlights include San Diego’s beaches, Santa Barbara’s Spanish architecture, and Big Sur’s iconic Bixby Creek Bridge and McWay Falls.
Oregon’s coastline dazzles with sea stacks and tide pools, like those at Cannon Beach, while Washington’s Olympic Peninsula offers temperate rainforests and rugged shores. Coastal towns like Monterey and Astoria provide charming stops for seafood and history. Perfect for adventure and relaxation, this drive is ideal year-round, with summer offering sunny days and winter revealing dramatic waves. Travelers should plan for fuel and lodging, as some stretches are remote. The PCH is a bucket-list journey, blending ocean vistas, vibrant towns, and natural wonders, making it North America’s crown jewel of scenic road trips, perfect for capturing memories that last a lifetime.
