50 Epic Road Trip Routes: The Most Unforgettable Drive in Every State

Ready to hit the open road? Here is your guide to the best road trip route through each state, from scenic byways draped with wildflowers to winding coastal highways and iconic national parks. Each route captures a unique piece of what makes its state special—so whether you’re craving mountain vistas, small-town charm, or wide-open spaces, you’ll find something to love. Grab your favorite travel buddy, queue up the playlist, and let’s go!

Alabama: The Coastal Connection

Start in Mobile and take the Coastal Connection Scenic Byway south along the Gulf. You’ll cruise past historic forts, sleepy fishing towns, and white-sand beaches that make for perfect picnic stops. Fairhope, with its pink-hued sunsets and small-town magic, is a highlight here. If you want the best of Southern hospitality, this is it. For more trip inspiration, check out Alabama’s scenic byways.

Alaska: Seward Highway Spectacle

Alaska’s Seward Highway delivers jaw-dropping beauty at every turn. Begin in Anchorage and follow the route to Seward, tracing the edge of turquoise Turnagain Arm while snow-capped peaks loom overhead. Spot bald eagles, beluga whales, and glaciers—seriously, you might run out of camera space. Learn about Seward Highway highlights.

Arizona: Red Rock Wonderland to Grand Canyon Views

Arizona’s Scenic Sedona Byway links vibrant red rock formations with the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon. Start in Sedona, drive through Oak Creek Canyon, and end at the South Rim. The color show at sunrise and sunset is a must-see. Get details and visitor tips for the Sedona Scenic Byway.

Arkansas: Pig Trail Scenic Byway’s Ozark Adventure

Drive north from Ozark through thick forests and curvy mountain roads. The Pig Trail Scenic Byway is famous among bikers and road trippers alike. You’ll see waterfalls in spring, fiery foliage in fall, and friendly roadside diners year-round. See more about the Pig Trail Scenic Byway.

California: Pacific Coast Highway’s Ocean Drama

Nothing matches the drama of California’s Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). Wind from Dana Point up to Leggett, passing Big Sur’s cliffs, Monterey’s charm, and San Francisco’s iconic bridge. There’s a reason this stretch draws global fans—it’s a daily postcard. Explore the Pacific Coast Highway.

Colorado: Trail Ridge Road Sky-High Trek

The Trail Ridge Road through Rocky Mountain National Park climbs above 12,000 feet and offers the kind of views that make you pull over every mile. Alpine tundra, wildflowers, and herds of elk keep things interesting—pack a warm jacket even in July. Find route tips on the Trail Ridge Road.

Connecticut: Coastal Route 1

Start in Greenwich and hug the coast all the way to Stonington. Route 1 treats you to classic New England towns, rocky beaches, and seafood shacks you’ll want to write home about. Don’t miss Mystic’s maritime magic and the drawbridge views. See more on Connecticut’s Route 1.

Delaware: Bayshore Byway (Route 9 Coastal Heritage Byway)

This underrated gem takes you from New Castle’s cobblestones to Lewes’ windblown dunes. You’ll spot wildlife at Bombay Hook and see colonial history come alive in sleepy town squares. Plan stops with this Coastal Heritage Byway guide.

Florida: Overseas Highway Dream

Drive the Overseas Highway (U.S. 1) from Miami to Key West, skimming above clear blue waters and hopping dozens of islands. It’s pure joy, with quirky towns like Islamorada and must-stop seafood shacks along the way. Don’t skip the sunset at Mallory Square. Map your trip with the Overseas Highway Guide.

Georgia: Coastal Highway 17 to Savannah and the Golden Isles

Take a drive down Coastal Highway 17 for a different side of Georgia. Start in historic Savannah, where moss-draped oaks and cobblestone squares invite wandering. Head south to the Golden Isles—St. Simons, Jekyll, and Sea Island—where sunny beaches, lighthouses, and fresh seafood await. Each coastal stop brings its own Southern charm and photo-ready scenery. For a route overview and island guide, check out Exploring Georgia’s Coast.

Hawaii: Hana Highway, Maui

Wind your way past rainforests, waterfalls, and seaside cliffs. The Road to Hana is famous for a reason. Pull over often for banana bread, tropical gardens, and black sand beaches that feel like another planet. Start planning with this Road to Hana guide.

Idaho: Sawtooth Scenic Byway

Start in Shoshone and work your way north to Stanley. You’ll skirt towering peaks, hot springs, and river valleys. The Sawtooth Mountains are a perfect backdrop for fishing, kayaking, or just soaking it all in. Learn about the Sawtooth Scenic Byway.

Illinois: Route 66’s Retro Charm

The classic Route 66 from Chicago to St. Louis blends nostalgia and Americana. You’ll spot vintage signs, quirky museums, and diners pouring bottomless coffee. Take your time exploring small towns like Pontiac—they’re packed with stories. Find details on driving Illinois Route 66.

Indiana: Indiana Dunes to Amish Country

Loop from the Indiana Dunes National Park south through rolling farmland and Amish communities. Sample locally baked pies, wander covered bridges, and bike rural trails dotted with wildflowers. Learn more about Indiana road trips.

Iowa: Great River Road

Travel along the Mississippi River, weaving through quaint towns and rich fields. The bluffs in Dubuque and lush parks near Guttenberg are trip highlights. Birdwatchers, bring your binoculars! Explore Iowa’s Great River Road.

Kansas: Flint Hills Scenic Byway

Discover tallgrass prairies that stretch as far as the eye can see. The Flint Hills Scenic Byway (Highway 177) gives a peaceful window into Kansas, with wildflowers and bison herds waving in the wind. Plan your visit with the Flint Hills Byway info.

Kentucky: Bourbon Trail

Wind through rolling horse country and historic distilleries. The Bourbon Trail mixes small-town charm with spirited tastings and bluegrass backroads. Sour mash, anyone? Start exploring on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

Louisiana: Great River Road

Meander between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, with plantations, bayous, and spicy roadside eats. You’ll hear zydeco music and taste food worth the trip alone. Bring a hearty appetite and your best playlist. More about Louisiana’s Great River Road.

Maine: Acadia To Portland Coastal Bliss

Start in picturesque Bar Harbor and wind along Maine’s rugged coast to Portland. This route mixes lighthouses, wild beaches, and lobster roll havens with the quiet beauty of Acadia National Park. Pro tip: visit in fall for the best leaf show. Check out the Acadia Byway guide.

Maryland: Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway

Traverse peaceful waterside villages, crab shacks, and sun-speckled forests. The Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway is Maryland’s showcase of small harbors, coastal heritage, and blue crab culture. For a detailed route map, see the Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway.

Massachusetts: Mohawk Trail

One of America’s oldest scenic routes, the Mohawk Trail runs from the Berkshires to the Connecticut River Valley. Expect mountains, covered bridges, and every shade of autumn leaf (in season, of course). Start exploring the Mohawk Trail.

Michigan: M-22 Lake Michigan Circle

Cruise the M-22 along Lake Michigan’s northern shore. Small towns, cherry orchards, and sweeping lakeside views invite you to stop and explore. Sleeping Bear Dunes is a sandy slice of paradise. Read about the M-22 drive.

Minnesota: North Shore Scenic Drive

Trace the shore of Lake Superior from Duluth to Grand Portage. Majestic cliffs, pine forests, and roaring waterfalls line Highway 61. Split Rock Lighthouse is a stop you’ll remember forever. Find more stops on Minnesota’s North Shore.

Mississippi: Natchez Trace Parkway

Follow the historic trail from Natchez to Tupelo. Wildflowers, Native American mounds, and moss-draped trees give this trip Old South flavor and serious tranquility. Cyclists, this one’s for you. More on the Natchez Trace Parkway.

Missouri: Route 66

Get your kicks from St. Louis to Joplin on America’s Mother Road. Classic diners, neon-lit motels, and quirky roadside stops make this road trip pure nostalgia. Plan your journey with Missouri Route 66.

Montana: Going-to-the-Sun Road

Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road is pure bucket-list material. Climb up through alpine meadows, past hidden lakes, and along soaring cliffs. You’ll feel like you’re driving through a painting. Details at Going to the Sun Road.

Nebraska: Sandhills Journey Byway

The 272-mile Sandhills Journey Byway offers waving grasslands, quiet lakes, and star-packed skies. Stop at small museums for a fix of pioneer spirit. Check route details at Sandhills Byway.

Nevada: The Loneliest Road in America

U.S. Route 50 across Nevada offers a different kind of thrill—wide open spaces and eerie ghost towns. You’ll watch mountains turn pink at sunset and stop in quirky towns like Ely and Eureka. This is wide-open adventure for true road warriors. Read more on Nevada’s Route 50.

New Hampshire: Kancamagus Highway

This 34-mile drive through the White Mountains promises jaw-dropping scenery in every season. Pull off for hikes, waterfalls, and views that make even a seasoned traveler’s jaw drop. See why the Kancamagus Highway is so beloved.

New Jersey: The Shore Route

Cruise from Sandy Hook to Cape May on the Garden State Parkway. Hit boardwalks, grab fresh saltwater taffy, and dip your toes in Atlantic waves. Cape May’s colorful Victorian houses are the trip’s sweet reward. See more of New Jersey’s shoreline.

New Mexico: Turquoise Trail Art Escape

The Turquoise Trail (NM 14) runs from Albuquerque to Santa Fe and packs a surprising punch. Rolling hills, funky galleries, and mining towns mix with views of the Sandia Mountains. Madrid is a must-stop for artists and coffee lovers. Explore the Turquoise Trail.

New York: Hudson Valley Dream Route

Drive up the Hudson Valley from New York City to Albany, hugging the river and passing grand estates, apple orchards, and small towns brimming with artists. This is fall foliage heaven and a great place to enjoy farm-to-table eats. Discover Hudson Valley sights.

North Carolina: Blue Ridge Parkway

Ride the crest of the Appalachians from Cherokee to Blowing Rock. The Blue Ridge Parkway dishes out sweeping vistas, rhododendron blooms, and mountain music at every bend. Get the full scoop on top Parkway stops and viewpoints.

North Dakota: Enchanted Highway

Drive past giant metal sculptures in the wide-open prairie. The Enchanted Highway is kitschy, joyful, and wonderfully weird. Say hi to “Geese in Flight” and “Pheasants on the Prairie” along the way. Enchanted Highway maps and stops.

Ohio: Hocking Hills Scenic Byway

Twist through southeastern Ohio’s forests and sandstone gorges. Hocking Hills State Park has caves, waterfalls, and secluded trails for those who crave some peace and quiet. Check Hocking Hills Byway details.

Oklahoma: Talimena Scenic Drive

Let rolling hills and vivid forests lead you from Talihina, OK, to Mena, AR. The Talimena Scenic Drive is legendary in fall, with golden and red leaves lighting up the Ouachita Mountains. Plan your Talimena Drive trip.

Oregon: The Oregon Coast Highway

From Astoria to Brookings, the Oregon Coast Highway (US 101) serves up rugged cliffs, windswept beaches, and charming towns. Don’t miss Cannon Beach’s iconic sea stacks or the cheese factory in Tillamook—adventure (and snacks) await at every bend. See the Oregon Coast Highway tips.

Pennsylvania: Route 6

Pennsylvania’s Route 6 is pure Americana, with small towns, mountain views, and plenty of Old World charm. Don’t miss the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon near Wellsboro. Route 6 information.

Rhode Island: Ocean Drive

Scenic Ocean Drive in Newport packs mansions, beaches, and clifftop views into just ten delightful miles. Stop for a lobster roll and watch the boats glide by. Newport’s Ocean Drive guide.

South Carolina: Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Highway

Cruise Highway 11 for waterfall hikes, peach orchards, and mountain lookout points. The relaxed pace gives you time to enjoy every hidden swim hole and roadside stand. Learn more at Cherokee Foothills Highway.

South Dakota: Badlands Loop State Scenic Byway

Thread through the otherworldly rock formations of Badlands National Park. The 39-mile loop is only the beginning—bison, prairie dogs, and wide-open skies accompany you at every turn. Read about Badlands Loop.

Tennessee: Great Smoky Mountains Parkway

Start in Gatlinburg and wind your way through the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains on U.S. 441. This route features misty peaks, wildflower meadows, and rich Appalachian history—plus, Dollywood is just down the road for some bonus fun. More Smoky Mountains info.

Texas: Hill Country Wine Trail

Skip the interstate and wind through Fredericksburg’s Hill Country. Visit vineyards, listen to live music, and linger in historic small towns. This route is a must for Texas barbecue fans, too. Start your Hill Country adventure.

Utah: Scenic Byway 12

Drive between Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef on Scenic Byway 12. Red cliffs, slickrock canyons, and hidden arches unfold in every direction. This is Utah’s scenic wonderland at its best. Scenic Byway 12 info.

Vermont: Route 100

Vermont’s Route 100 zips through charming villages, covered bridges, and maple syrup stops. Fall color here is legendary, but any season brings postcard-worthy scenery. Map it out via Scenic Route 100 Byway.

Virginia: Skyline Drive

Trace the ridgeline of Shenandoah National Park for 105 miles. Wildflowers, black bears, and mountain overlooks make every mile on Skyline Drive a joy. See ideas for Skyline Drive stops.

Washington: Olympic Peninsula Loop

Circle the Olympic Peninsula via Highway 101. Rain forests, rocky coasts, and snowy mountains keep things interesting. Don’t skip Hurricane Ridge for big mountain views. Plan your Olympic Peninsula trip.

West Virginia: Highland Scenic Highway

Wind through the Monongahela National Forest from Richwood to US 219. Wild rivers, rhododendrons, and lookout towers make this drive West Virginia’s outdoor playground. Full details on the Highland Scenic Highway.

Wisconsin: Door County Coastal Byway

Follow Lake Michigan’s shoreline up the Door Peninsula. Cherry picking, lighthouse spotting, and fish boils are the traditions around here. The water views are unbeatable. Plan a visit to Door County Coastal Byway.

Wyoming: Snowy Range Scenic Byway

Climb to 10,847 feet on the Snowy Range Scenic Byway from Laramie to Saratoga. The mountains, alpine lakes, and wildflowers turn summer drives into pure magic. Learn more about the Snowy Range Scenic Byway.

Conclusion

Whether you’re dreaming of sweeping coastal views, hidden mountain highways, or roadside pie stands, the best road trip in each state gives you a window into what makes the United States so unforgettable. There’s a route here for every kind of explorer, so save your favorites, pack smart, and let your wanderlust steer the way. Get more trip-planning ideas and map out your next big journey at The Discoverer’s Best Road Trip in Each State. Happy adventuring!