The Most Scenic Drives in America: Exploring the Nation's Most Beautiful Roads

1. Pacific Coast Highway (California)

The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), also known as California State Route 1, is arguably one of the most iconic scenic drives in the United States. Stretching over 600 miles from Orange County to Mendocino County, this route offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, rugged cliffs, and serene beaches.

• Key Highlights:

  • Big Sur: This stretch between San Simeon and Carmel-by-the-Sea is the most famous part of the PCH. With towering cliffs on one side and the expansive Pacific on the other, the views are unmatched.
  • Bixby Creek Bridge: One of the most photographed spots on the PCH, this bridge offers a perfect backdrop for photos with its dramatic ocean views.
  • Hearst Castle: Located in San Simeon, this historic estate offers guided tours that take you through its opulent rooms and gardens.

• Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall offer the best weather, with clear skies and less fog, especially in the Big Sur area.

2. Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia and North Carolina)

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile drive that stretches through the Appalachian Mountains, connecting the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. Known as "America's Favorite Drive," it offers an array of scenic vistas, hiking trails, and cultural sites.

• Key Highlights:

  • Linn Cove Viaduct: A marvel of engineering, this elevated roadway offers sweeping views of the surrounding mountains.
  • Mount Mitchell: The highest peak east of the Mississippi River, offering stunning panoramic views from the summit.
  • Mabry Mill: One of the most photographed spots on the parkway, this historic gristmill is a picturesque stop.

• Best Time to Visit: Fall is the most popular time, with vibrant foliage transforming the landscape into a kaleidoscope of colors. Spring is also beautiful with blooming wildflowers.

3. Overseas Highway (Florida)

The Overseas Highway, also known as U.S. Route 1, connects the Florida mainland with the Florida Keys. Spanning 113 miles, this drive takes you over a series of bridges, with the most famous being the Seven Mile Bridge, offering unparalleled views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.

• Key Highlights:

  • Seven Mile Bridge: A highlight of the drive, this bridge gives you the feeling of driving on water, with ocean views as far as the eye can see.
  • Key Largo to Key West: The entire route is dotted with charming islands, each offering unique attractions, from snorkeling and diving in Key Largo to the vibrant nightlife of Key West.
  • Bahia Honda State Park: Known for its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters, it's a perfect stop for a swim or picnic.

• Best Time to Visit: Winter and spring offer pleasant weather, making it an ideal escape from colder climates.

4. Going-to-the-Sun Road (Montana)

Going-to-the-Sun Road is a 50-mile scenic drive that winds through the heart of Glacier National Park in Montana. This drive is known for its jaw-dropping mountain scenery, glacial lakes, and an array of wildlife.

• Key Highlights:

  • Logan Pass: The highest point on the road, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and meadows filled with wildflowers.
  • Lake McDonald: The largest lake in the park, known for its clear waters and colorful rocks along the shore.
  • Weeping Wall: A dramatic roadside cliff where water cascades down, creating a natural waterfall.

• Best Time to Visit: Summer is the best time, as the road is often closed in winter due to snow.

5. Route 66 (Illinois to California)

Route 66, also known as the "Main Street of America," is one of the most historic drives in the United States. Spanning nearly 2,500 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, this drive offers a nostalgic journey through America's heartland.

• Key Highlights:

  • Cadillac Ranch (Texas): A public art installation featuring half-buried Cadillacs in Amarillo.
  • Petrified Forest National Park (Arizona): A unique stop with ancient trees turned to stone.
  • Santa Monica Pier (California): The end of Route 66, offering a beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean.

• Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall provide the most comfortable weather for this long journey.

6. Great River Road (Minnesota to Louisiana)

The Great River Road follows the course of the Mississippi River for 3,000 miles, from its source in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. This route offers a diverse range of landscapes, from rolling hills and forests to farmland and bustling river towns.

• Key Highlights:

  • Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge: A haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
  • Memphis (Tennessee): Known for its rich musical history and vibrant culture.
  • New Orleans (Louisiana): The southern terminus of the drive, famous for its jazz music, cuisine, and Mardi Gras celebrations.

• Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall are ideal, offering mild weather and beautiful scenery.

7. Hana Highway (Maui, Hawaii)

The Hana Highway, also known as the Road to Hana, is a 64-mile drive along Maui's northeastern coast. This drive is famous for its lush tropical landscapes, waterfalls, and panoramic ocean views.

• Key Highlights:

  • Wailua Falls: A beautiful waterfall just off the highway, offering a great spot for photos.
  • Ke‘anae Peninsula: A rugged coastline with dramatic waves crashing against the rocks.
  • Black Sand Beach at Waianapanapa State Park: A unique beach with volcanic black sand and stunning views.

• Best Time to Visit: Early morning to avoid the crowds, and spring or fall for the best weather.

8. Million Dollar Highway (Colorado)

The Million Dollar Highway, a part of U.S. Route 550, is a 25-mile stretch that runs through the San Juan Mountains in Colorado. Known for its steep cliffs and hairpin turns, this drive offers some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the country.

• Key Highlights:

  • Red Mountain Pass: Offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
  • Ouray: Known as the "Switzerland of America," this charming town is surrounded by mountains and offers hot springs.
  • Silverton: A historic mining town with a well-preserved 19th-century feel.

• Best Time to Visit: Summer and early fall, when the roads are clear and the weather is mild.

9. Highway 12 (Utah)

Highway 12, also known as Scenic Byway 12, is a 124-mile drive through some of Utah's most stunning landscapes. The route takes you through red rock canyons, national parks, and beautiful mountain ranges.

• Key Highlights:

  • Bryce Canyon National Park: Famous for its unique rock formations known as hoodoos.
  • Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument: A vast area of rugged landscapes, perfect for hiking and exploring.
  • Boulder Mountain: Offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and distant peaks.

• Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall, when the weather is ideal for outdoor activities.

10. Kancamagus Highway (New Hampshire)

The Kancamagus Highway, also known as "The Kanc," is a 34.5-mile scenic drive through the White Mountains of New Hampshire. This drive is especially popular in the fall, when the foliage turns the landscape into a sea of red, orange, and yellow.

• Key Highlights:

  • Sabbaday Falls: A short hike off the highway leads to this beautiful waterfall.
  • Rocky Gorge: A picturesque stop with a wooden bridge overlooking a serene pool of water.
  • Mount Washington: The highest peak in the Northeast, offering a challenging hike and stunning views.

• Best Time to Visit: Fall for the foliage, though summer offers great weather for hiking and exploring.

America's scenic drives offer something for everyone, from the rugged beauty of mountain passes to the serene calm of coastal roads. Whether you're planning a cross-country road trip or just looking for a weekend getaway, these routes promise unforgettable experiences and some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world.