The Ultimate List: 15 Official Scenic Drives You Must Add to Your U.S. Road Trip

Ready to hit the open road and soak up jaw-dropping views? There’s nothing like a good road trip for making memories (and snapping killer photos). The U.S. is packed with scenic byways that show off mountains, oceans, deserts, wildflower fields, and forests—all from the comfort of your car. Think winding mountain highways, coastal routes with sea spray in the air, and ribbons of pavement lined with fall leaves or wildflowers. To help you plan your perfect drive, here’s your guide to the top official scenic drives you really shouldn’t miss.

Pacific Coast Highway (California State Route 1)

Let’s kick off with an icon. The Pacific Coast Highway runs for 600+ miles along the California coastline, hugging cliffs and beaches pretty much the whole way. Picture crashing surf, redwoods, seaside towns, and the endless Pacific. Big Sur steals the show: this stretch is pure “wow” around every bend. Campsites, viewpoints, beach stops, and vintage motels make it easy to linger or just stretch your legs. This drive is one of the most beloved in the country, showing up on every major bucket list.

Pro Tip: Sunset at Bixby Bridge is one for the books.

Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia and North Carolina)

Arched between Shenandoah National Park and the Smokies, the Blue Ridge Parkway is famous for mountain vistas, old barns, tunnels, and wildflower meadows. It’s especially popular in mid-October when the leaves light up in gold and red. Along the way, you’ll find countless overlooks, waterfalls, and easy hiking trails close to the pavement.

Pro Tip: Bring a picnic. Every overlook is a photo op.

Going-to-the-Sun Road (Montana)

Glacier National Park’s centerpiece, this slim, winding road zips you past alpine lakes, waterfalls, and rocky cliffs. There’s wildlife at every turn (keep your eyes peeled for mountain goats and bears). The panoramic view from Logan Pass is unforgettable—seriously, don’t rush this drive.

Route 66 (Illinois to California)

Route 66 is the granddaddy of road trips, crossing eight states and rolling through quirky old towns, neon-lit diners, and historic motels. Along the way you get desert landscapes, urban adventures, classic Americana, and a million snapshots of old-school cool. If you need inspiration, check out America’s Scenic Byways or this breakdown on Daytrip Nomad.

Beartooth Highway (Montana and Wyoming)

High in the Rockies, Beartooth Highway is brimming with hairpin turns, snowcapped peaks, alpine lakes, and sweeping valleys. This one’s short but dramatic. It gets you close to Yellowstone, so it’s perfect if you want jaw-dropping scenery on your way to the park. The elevation tops 10,000 feet, and it feels like you’re on top of the world.

Great River Road (Minnesota to Louisiana)

The Great River Road follows the twists of the mighty Mississippi for 2,000-plus miles. Paddlewheel boats, river towns, wildlife refuges, and bluesy BBQ joints dot the route. Want to see small-town America? This is your best bet. Split the drive up into regions, or just cruise for a day—no stress.

Overseas Highway (Florida Keys)

There’s nothing like driving above crystal-clear turquoise water as you hop from island to island on the Overseas Highway. This 113-mile stretch connects Miami to Key West. Romance, sunshine, and key lime pie—what else do you need? Bridges seem to float atop the sea, and you’ll want to pull over for every fishing pier and seafood shack.

Skyline Drive (Virginia)

Snaking through Shenandoah National Park, Skyline Drive packs 105 miles of forest, wildlife, and mountain overlooks. Every mile marker has something special—a trail, a view, a picnic area. You might spot deer, black bears, or wild turkeys along the way. In spring and fall, the park explodes with color.

Historic Columbia River Highway (Oregon)

Tucked in the dramatic Columbia River Gorge, this scenic byway runs past waterfalls, basalt cliffs, and mossy forests just east of Portland. The overlook at Crown Point, picture-perfect Multnomah Falls, and fun little hikes make every stop worthwhile. It blends history with crazy beauty—get your camera ready.

Million Dollar Highway (Colorado)

This stretch of U.S. Route 550 connects Silverton and Ouray. You’ll climb through the San Juan Mountains, tiptoeing along cliffs, switchbacks, and rushing rivers. There aren’t many guardrails, but the payoff is huge: wild vistas, ghost towns, and historic mining villages. If you like a little adrenaline (and don’t mind heights), this should be at the top of your list.

Natchez Trace Parkway (Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee)

This peaceful, tree-lined road follows centuries-old Native American trails. The scenery is gentle and relaxing, with wildflowers in spring and intense colors in autumn. There are hiking trails, historic sites, and scenic pull-offs to help break up the drive. It’s perfect if you want to unwind and take it slow.

Kancamagus Highway (New Hampshire)

This 34-mile route slices through the White Mountains, giving you easy access to covered bridges, waterfalls, hiking trails, and big, leafy forests. It’s known for spectacular fall foliage, so expect crowds when the leaves turn. Summer is quieter, with swimming holes and mountain vistas around every bend.

Historic Route 1 (Maine)

Beginning at the New Hampshire border and tracing the Atlantic coast up to the Canadian line, Route 1 is dotted with lighthouses, lobster shacks, fishing villages, and ocean views. Think salty air, seabirds, and roadside blueberries. The drive shines brightest on lazy summer days or anytime you crave the coast.

Trail Ridge Road (Colorado)

Trail Ridge Road winds through Rocky Mountain National Park, reaching the highest continuous paved road in North America. You’ll see elk, tundra wildflowers, snow patches (even in July), and endless mountain panoramas. The road opens seasonally, so double-check before you go.

Seward Highway (Alaska)

A bucket-list favorite, the Seward Highway is carved between the ocean and snowcapped mountains. Watch for beluga whales, glaciers, waterfalls, and maybe even a moose or two. Each mile brings something new, with plenty of places to pull off, grab a snack, and just stare out at the wild Alaskan beauty.

Conclusion

There you have it! The best official scenic drives in the U.S., each offering its own flavor of adventure and beauty. Whether you crave coastal clifftops, storybook forests, or epic mountain passes, these routes make the journey just as amazing as the destination. If you want more inspiration, check out America’s Scenic Byways or this full Ultimate Guide to the Best Scenic Drives Across the USA. Mix and match your favorites, grab your camera, and set out for new memories on the open road. Pack snacks, queue up some good tunes, and watch the scenery roll by—you’ll love every minute. Safe travels!