best scenic trips in usa

10 of the best road trips in the USA

Jan 5, 2024 • 6 min read

Take to the open road and discover a different side to the USA © monkeybusinessimages / Getty Images

While a plane may get you there faster, road-tripping across the US is one of the most iconically American things you can do.

Get up close and personal with the country’s most striking landscapes – dense eastern forests, windswept plains, red rock canyons, dramatic Pacific coastlines – and make pit stops at some of its most famous cities all in one go.

Crisscrossed with an extensive network of pretty well-maintained highway systems, the US is remarkably easy to traverse by car . Some distances may be long, but gas, food and accommodations are largely easy to come by (except in some of the most rural locales), and a set of wheels gives you the freedom to do extra side quests along the way.

Here’s a list of our favorite routes across America’s wide open spaces, along with some tips on how to make the most of your journey.

1. Pacific Coast Highway

Best road trip for Pacific views San Diego–Seattle; 1600 miles; 8–12 days

The Pacific Coast Highway delivers one of the US’ most iconic road trip experiences, linking together the West Coast’s most notable metropolises, quirky California beach towns, ancient redwood forests, and the dramatic capes and pools of the Pacific Northwest . The route includes Hwy 1, Hwy 101 and I-5, starting in San Diego ; it winds up the coast through LA , Big Sur , San Francisco and Redwood National & State Parks , eventually terminating in Seattle .

Planning tip: Always check for road closures, particularly in the Big Sur area, where rockslides are common along the sea cliffs.

2. Blue Ridge Parkway

Best Appalachian road trip Cherokee, NC–Waynesboro, VA; 469 miles; 2–5 days

This spectacular route takes you through the heart of the US’ oldest mountain range, delivering view after view of rolling green mountains chock full of enchanting hiking trails, thundering waterfalls, ancient rock formations and prolific wildlife. The Parkway – part of the NPS system – begins adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and passes through the spectacular Pisgah National Forest, a number of state parks and recreation areas, and Roanoke, VA, before ending at the southern entrance of Shenandoah National Park .

Detour: In addition to state and national parks , many one-off hikes originate along the parkway. Consult trail maps to avoid missing some of Appalachia’s top routes.

3. Route 66

Best road trip for American kitsch Chicago–Los Angeles; 2250 miles; 1–2 weeks

Nicknamed the Mother Road, Route 66 has permanently ingrained itself in the international psyche as the original US road trip. Starting in Chicago , it crosses eight different states and connects travelers to national parks, weird-but-wonderful roadside attractions and tons of vintage Americana.

Planning tip:  The route can be driven in pieces or all at once, but we suggest allotting plenty of time to explore – distances are long, and the activities are numerous.

4. Natchez Trace

Best road trip for Southern history Pasquo, TN–Natchez, MS; 444 miles; 2–3 days

The path for the Natchez Trace was originally carved not by humans, but by buffalo that wandered the region from middle Tennessee to Natchez, MS. Indigenous hunters and traders soon followed, and later the route became a full-fledged thoroughfare for European colonists, soldiers and dignitaries. Today, a trip down the Trace yields gorgeous scenery, historic towns and the experience of traveling one of the most storied roads in the country.

5. Florida Highway 1

Best road trip for Gulf Coast culture Amelia Island–Key West; 475 miles; 6 days

Florida’s Hwy 1 runs the length of the state’s Atlantic Coast before banking east at Miami  and ending in stunning Key West . This sublime multi-day journey takes you through tons of Florida ’s most iconic stops: historic St Augustine , windswept Canaveral National Seashore , Nascar-fueled Daytona, laid-back Fort Lauderdale and the glam and glitter of Miami and South Beach.

Planning tip: Hurricane season lasts from June through October – with the most active months being August and September – and has the potential to significantly affect Florida. If you’re visiting during this window, keep your eyes on the forecast.

6. Badlands – Black Hills Loop

Best road trip to experience the Great Plains Badlands National Park–Badlands National Park; 330 miles; 2 days

If you want to get a taste of how expansive the Great Plains really are, head to South Dakota for this fascinating road trip through a state of huge ecological and cultural importance. Start your trip at the mind-bendingly beautiful Badlands National Park before looping over to the Black Hills, home to the Crazy Horse Memorial , Mt Rushmore and Wind Cave National Park . Along the way, take in views of thriving buffalo herds, fascinating rock formations and plenty of rolling hills.

7. San Juan Skyway

Best road trip for Rocky Mountain peaks Durango–Durango; 236 miles; 1–3 days

The San Juan Skyway delivers some of the Rockies ’ biggest views in high definition. This route – which includes the renowned Million Dollar Highway – leapfrogs across central Colorado’s mountainous core connecting Durango, Silverton, Ouray, Telluride and Mesa Verde National Park , known for the cliff dwellings left behind by the Ancestral Puebloans.

Whether you’re a history buff, ski bum, landscape photographer or simply someone who enjoys a thrilling drive, San Juan Skyway has something for you.

Planning tip: A fact that can be deduced by its name, the San Juan Skyway runs through high-altitude terrain, and that makes road conditions somewhat unpredictable, particularly during shoulder season. Always check for closures or local warnings before heading out.

8. Richardson Highway

Best road trip for Alaska outdoors Fairbanks–Valdez; 364 miles; 2–4 days

No road trip list would be complete without a journey through the country’s largest, northernmost state. The Richardson Highway, Alaska’s oldest highway, connects Fairbanks with Valdez, winding past dramatic mountain peaks and glaciers and giving travelers a front seat to some of the country’s most jaw-dropping natural attractions. Be sure to make pit stops for hiking, fishing and whitewater rafting.

9. Scenic Byway 12

Best road trip through red rock country Bryce Canyon National Park–Capitol Reef National Park; 122 miles; 1 day

Southern Utah feels like an entirely different planet, and this backroads route takes you through the best scenery this geologically diverse state has to offer. Start your journey in the town of Panguitch – right outside of Bryce Canyon – and follow the road through red rock canyons, historic towns and pine forests until you finish your journey in Torrey, gateway to Capitol Reef National Park , one of the west’s best-kept secrets.

Detour: From Torrey, it’s an easy 2.5-hour drive to Moab , Canyonlands and Arches , making these routes the best way to see Utah’s Big 5 . And the road itself takes you through some amazing lunar-like scenery that contrasts sharply with the red rocks – wild.

10. Coastal New England

Best road trip for Atlantic maritime vibes New York City–Portland, ME; 430 miles; 3–5 days

Prep yourself for seafood chowder, picturesque oceanside towns and all the lobster you can handle – this coastal New England trip will definitely help you find your sea legs. Start in New York City and make your way north along the coast, stopping to enjoy the lovely beaches in Rhode Island , Massachusetts’  wealth of historical heavy hitters and New Hampshire’ s lighthouses before arriving in culinary-minded Portland, ME .

This article was first published May 22, 2019 and updated Jan 5, 2024.

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23 Incredible Road Trips in the U.S.

Whether you’re looking for sweeping views of the pacific ocean or a multiday adventure through national parks, these road trips provide plenty of opportunities to explore the united states..

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Glacier National Park is one of many scenic places you can visit on an American road trip.

Photo by Zack Frank / Shutterstock

In a country as large as the United States, there’s no shortage of destinations and detours to explore by car . Whether your idea of the perfect American road trip entails an epic, cross-country journey or a shorter jaunt through a few of its most iconic national parks , your options are as large and varied as the country itself.

Even if you don’t have the time to drive cross-country, there are plenty of road trip routes (ranging from three days to a week or longer): classic California itineraries , New England routes that shine especially well in the fall, scenic East Coast adventures, and a variety of Midwest journeys for folks farther from the coasts.

No matter your mode of transportation—be it van, RV, motorcycle, or four-door sedan—these are 21 of the best road trips in the nation to consider.

Plan your next Route 66 trip around thirst-quenching stops.

Photo by Peek Creative Collective/Shutterstock

There are many ways to do a cross-country road trip in the USA, but these two itineraries will take you through some truly iconic American places.

1. Chicago to Los Angeles: A Whiskey Road Trip on Route 66

It doesn’t get more American than a 2,000-mile drive along the entirety of Route 66. There are endless ways to take this legendary trip (including an EV version —but to take your cross-country road trip to the next level, we recommend exploring another American pastime: whiskey.

Starting in Chicago and ending in L.A., you’ll stop by some of the leading craft distilleries in the United States, like Few Spirits in Chicago, Still 630 in St. Louis, and Red Fork Distillery in Tulsa. In between tastings, make time for detours to natural attractions, like the Grand Canyon, and quirky roadside curiosities, like Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas. Just remember to drink responsibly—this is a road trip after all.

Plan your trip

The full itinerary: Put a New Twist on Route 66—Make It an American Whiskey Road Trip

No cars are allowed on Mackinac Island, so you need to park before taking the ferry to this spot.

Photo from Shutterstock

2. Bangor, Maine, to Seattle, Washington: The Great Northern on U.S. Route 2

Covering both the U.S. and Canada, a cross-country trip along U.S. 2 is ideal for anyone who wants to experience the vast diversity and expansiveness of North America. This drive runs the entire top border of the U.S. and showcases otherworldly natural wonders like Acadia National Park in Maine, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Wisconsin, and Mackinac Island in Michigan. The route also passes through Canada, taking road-trippers through Ontario into Quebec—this route may focus on nature, but you won’t want to miss a stop in Montreal or Ottawa.

You’ll also get to explore Montana and Glacier National Park ( reservations may be required ) before passing the Columbia Plateau and ending in the Pacific Northwest’s largest city, Seattle. Don’t miss spending time in the Olympic Peninsula (home to Olympic National Park) for a peek at one of the most scenic places on the West Coast.

3. Dana Point to San Francisco: Driving California’s Pacific Coast Highway

The seemingly endless views of the Pacific Ocean along Highway 1 (also known as the Pacific Coast Highway) are what road trip dreams are made of, and exactly what makes this California road trip so popular. However, with so many stops along the 655-mile stretch, we pulled together a list of the ones well worth pulling over to view. Don’t miss the perfect surfing waves in Santa Cruz, seasonal cuisine in Malibu, an afternoon a the boardwalk in Santa Monica, or a night in Big Sur as you drive between Dana Point (just south of Los Angeles) and San Francisco.

• The full itinerary: The Best Stops for a Road Trip on the Pacific Coast Highway
• The AFAR Guide to San Francisco

The seaside town of Monterey was the setting for John Steinbeck’s Cannery Row .

Photo by Denise Lett/Shutterstock

4. Big Sur to Mono County: A Literary Road Trip Through Northern California

Yes, this itinerary requires you actually put down your book to drive, but seeing some of the pivotal places that shaped American authors will be so worth it. Follow in the footsteps of writers like Jack Kerouac, Maya Angelou, and Amy Tan on this road trip that takes you through literary landmarks in Northern California, such as Caffe Trieste, a meeting place for Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, Alan Watts, and other bohemian writers and thinkers. This 12-stop itinerary is perfect if you live in the San Francisco Bay Area because you’ll be able to stay make these trips in one or two days.

The full itinerary: The California Road Trip All Book Lovers Should Take

Arizona may take its nickname from the Grand Canyon, but the state has far more natural wonders than just that one.

Courtesy of Shutterstock

5. Phoenix to the Grand Canyon: An Iconic Arizona Road Trip

This 240-mile Arizona road trip takes travelers along some of the state’s most iconic highlights, including its most famous one, the Grand Canyon. A great itinerary for first-time visitors and returning travelers alike, it offers plenty of opportunities for scenic drives, hiking, and biking—as well as tasty food along the way. Hike the 2,704-foot-tall Camelback Mountain in Scottsdale or take in the beautiful red rocks of Sedona on a hike to Cathedral Rock while exploring the Grand Canyon State.

• The full itinerary: The Classic 5-Day Arizona Road Trip
• Grand Canyon guide: The First-Timer’s Guide to the Grand Canyon
• Where to eat in Phoenix: A Chef’s Guide to the Best Restaurants
• Where to stay: The Best Hotels in Arizona ; The Best Airbnbs in Sedona

The Delicate Arch living up to its name in Utah’s Arches National Park

Photo by tusharkoley / Shutterstock

6. Zion to Grand Canyon: A National Parks Road Trip in the Southwest

If you’re looking to visit as many national parks as possible in one road trip, this southwestern itinerary is for you. This journey through Utah and Arizona lets you hike Angel’s Landing in Zion, feel tiny under Delicate Arch in Arches National Park, explore Fairyland Loop Trail in Bryce Canyon, and, of course, raft down the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. Most visitors to the Grand Canyon remain on the rim, but take at least four days to venture within the canyon and take advantage of the trails and river rafting.

• The full itinerary: The Ideal Road Trip Through U.S. National Parks
• Utah’s 8 Best National Parks and Monuments
• 10 Best National Parks and Monuments in Arizona
• The First-Timer’s Guide to the Grand Canyon

Stop and admire the winding roads of the San Juan Skyway.

Photo by Anh Luu/Shutterstock

7. San Juan Scenic Skyway Road Trip: An Adventure Through Southwestern Colorado

This Colorado trip takes you along the 232-mile loop of the San Juan Scenic Skyway, where you will see plenty of alpine forests, mining towns, and craggy peaks. And for anyone looking to enjoy refreshments after a long day of driving, this route features many opportunities to stop at some of the best breweries in Colorado , such as Ska Brewing Co. in Durango.

• The full itinerary: The Ultimate Southwestern Colorado Road Trip
• Five Classic Colorado Road Trips To Take This Year

In small-town Buena Vista, the riverfront Surf Hotel offers front-row seats to Colorado-style adventure seekers.

Courtesy of the Surf Hotel

8. Denver to Montrose: A 420-Mile Road Trip Through Colorado

Want to explore even more of the Centennial State? Head out on this weeklong road trip where you can fish for salmon in Colorado’s largest reservoir, visit numerous small towns, like Paonia and Crawford, with thriving art scenes along the Colorado Creative Corridor , and explore Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, one of the least visited national parks in the nation.

• The full itinerary: Art Stars, High-Altitude Wines, and a Remote National Park: The Ultimate Colorado Road Trip
• Where to stay: The Best Hotels in Colorado
• The AFAR Guide to Denver

Portland may be Oregon’s largest city, but with a population of some 652,000 (or 2.5 million in the larger metropolitan area), it isn’t intimidatingly large.

Photo courtesy of Travel Portland

9. Portland to Astoria: An Oregon Coast Road Trip for Outdoor Lovers

If you love the outdoors, then this six-day road trip along the coast of Oregon is for you. After driving to Coos Bay from Portland, travelers will meander along Oregon’s dramatic, rocky coastline, discovering some quintessentially Pacific Northwest vistas along the way: evergreen forests, seaside dunes, and marine ecosystems. Between stops, there are ample opportunities to stretch your legs hiking, kayaking, or strolling around the region’s small towns—like the historic old town in Florence.

Of course, it wouldn’t be an Oregon road trip without a stop (or three) at a craft brewery, such as Fort George Brewery in Astoria, or cozy coffee shop, like Bread & Roses in Yachats.

• The full itinerary: An Outdoor Lover’s Road Trip on the Oregon Coast
• The AFAR Guide to Portland

The State Capitol Building in Nashville marks the end of this road (trip).

Photo by photo.ua / Shutterstock

10. Seneca Falls, New York, to Nashville, Tennessee: Follow the Path of the Women’s Suffrage Movement

Starting in New York’s Finger Lakes region and ending at the State Capitol Building in Nashville, this road trip traces the route of the national women’s suffrage movement. Highlights include stops at the Susan B. Anthony Museum & House ; Union Square in New York City, which was the site of the first suffrage march; and the Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument in Washington, D.C.

• The full itinerary: Celebrate Women’s Suffrage on an Epic, Self-Guided Road Trip
• Where to stay: The Best Hotels in Nashville
• The AFAR Guide to Nashville
• The AFAR Guide to Washington, D.C.

Asheville is one must-stop on a North Carolina road trip.

Courtesy of ExploreAsheville.com

11. Charlottesville to Asheville: A Scenic Road Trip Through Virginia and North Carolina

The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most scenic drives in the country. Beginning in the soft hilly meadows of the Appalachian Mountains from Shenandoah National Park down into the Blue Ridge Mountains, then into the Great Smoky Mountains, this five-day road trip is best done at a slower pace, which is perfect for admiring the dramatic outlooks and green plateaus. This eclectic itinerary features stops at an art museum, a dairy farm, and plenty of hiking trails.

• The full itinerary: The Ultimate Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip
• Where to stay: 12 Dreamy Blue Ridge Mountain Cabins You Can Rent on Airbnb and Vrbo
• 8 U.S. National Park Road Trips to Take in Your Lifetime

Dowa:kwe dance group from Zuni Pueblo in 2019

Courtesy of Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

12. Albuquerque to Las Cruces: Discover New Mexico on This Three-Day Road Trip

This route steers you away from New Mexican tourist hot spots like Taos and Santa Fe and instead takes you on a three-day adventure with places that teach you about Pueblo history. You’ll stop at Indian Pueblo Kitchen (formerly known as Pueblo Harvest), a restaurant inside the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center that features Indigenous cuisine ; pick up peppers at Three Brothers in Hatch; and slide down the dunes in White Sands National Park.

• The full itinerary: This New Mexico Road Trip Is the Perfect Introduction to the Land of Enchantment

Historic Fort Martin Scott is one of the places travelers can visit to learn about Fredericksburg’s history.

Photo by Mark König/Unsplash

13. A Five-Day Scenic Road Trip Through Texas Hill Country

This Texas road trip starts and ends in San Antonio with stops in small towns like Bandera, Boerne, and consider a stop in Fredericksburg, which is one of AFAR’s best places to go in 2024 ). Over five days, you’ll find opportunities to stroll in a Japanese tea garden in San Antonio, relax along the Sabinal and Frio Rivers by inner tube, and eat as many tacos as you want. Seriously: You could eat tacos for every meal on this road trip and not get tired of them.

• The full itinerary: Tree Houses, Tubing, and Tacos: The Ultimate Texas Hill Country Road Trip

Mount McKinley looms large on a drive through Denali National Park.

Photo by warnsweet / Shutterstock

14. A Weeklong Road Trip Through Alaska’s Most Majestic Sights

This weeklong drive in Alaska starts and ends in Anchorage. You travel along four scenic byways; explore Wrangell–St. Elias wilderness, the largest U.S. national park; catch sight of Denali, the tallest peak in North America; and enjoy the surprisingly stellar food scene of McCarthy, a one-road town with only a couple dozen residents.

• The full itinerary: Glaciers, Mountain Peaks, and Organic Farms: The Ultimate Alaska Road Trip
• Which Alaska National Parks Should You Visit?

More than geothermal pools, Kirkham Hot Springs features a piping-hot waterfall.

Courtesy of Idaho Tourism

15. Boise to Sun Valley: Explore Idaho’s Scenic Byways

Even a short road trip can be packed with adventure, good food, and scenery, which is exactly what this trip from Boise to Sun Valley along Idaho’s Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway offers. Although the drive only takes six hours, we recommend taking a few days to explore all the stops and detours along the way. One can’t-miss spot is the Kirkham Hot Springs , where you can stand under a waterfall that will splash you with 135-degree mineral water year-round.

• The full itinerary: The Little-Known Idaho Road Trip You Need to Drive
• Things to do: The Best Outdoorsy Things to Do in Idaho

Grand Portage State Park is the only state park jointly managed by a state and a Native American band.

Photo by Shutterstock/QZ

16. Duluth to Grand Portage State Park: A Scenic Minnesota Sampler

Although there are many appealing road trips throughout the Midwest, this 143-mile, three-hour circuit, which starts and ends in Duluth, Minnesota, is worth keeping in mind. Meandering north on MN-61 with this itinerary, you will enjoy prime views of Lake Superior and towns like Grand Marais, as well as Grand Portage State Park, home to waterfalls, hiking trails, and opportunities to learn about the Ojibwe community who occupy the land today. Once back in Duluth, enjoy a beer at Canal Park Brewing Company before checking into the waterfront Canal Park Lodge nearby.

• The AFAR Guide to Minnesota

Wind your way through colorful foliage in New Hampshire.

Photo by Shutterstock

17. Kancamagus Highway: A Quintessential New England Drive

Yes, you can take a road trip in New England at any time of the year , but this region shows off its best colors in the fall, when locals and tourists alike head out into the country to view the changing colors of the trees. Join other admirers of fall foliage on this popular, 34.5-mile road trip along New Hampshire’s Kancamagus Highway, colloquially known as the “Kanc,” for picturesque ponds, hiking trails, and scenic overlooks.

• Plan Your Fall Getaway With This Peak Foliage Prediction Map

Ogunquit is home to the small, postcard-perfect harbor of Perkins Cove.

Photo courtesy of QualityHD / Shutterstock

18. Maine’s “Lobster Trail”: Travel Route 1 Along the Coast

Traveling Route 1, affectionately known as “the lobster trail,” along Maine’s jagged coastline is an exercise in indulgence. Sample lobster dishes in all forms—buttered, steamed, on a roll, or even in a decadent mac-and-cheese.

The trip starts in the quaint small town of Ogunquit , with its rare (for the area) 3.5 miles of white-sand beach. Make your first lobster of the journey count, steamed with a side of drawn butter at Barnacle Billy’s in picturesque Perkins Cove harbor. Stop at Big Daddy’s for a cone on your way to the shipbuilding center—and summer home of George H. W. Bush—Kennebunkport. Stay at the recently redesigned 150-year-old classic White Barn Inn , and consider a sailing trip for an afternoon. With lobsters cooked in ocean water, the legendary lobster roll at the Clam Shack is a must.

• 8 Scenic East Coast Road Trips to Take This Year

Throughout North Carolina’s Piedmont region, innovative restaurants, shops, and restaurants like Leah & Louise in Charlotte, above, are creating a buzz.

Photo by Peter Taylor Photography

19. Raleigh to Charlotte: A 4-Day Trip Through North Carolina’s Reinvented Core

North Carolina’s Piedmont region extends from the coastal plain to the Blue Ridge Mountains, and includes farmland and rolling wooded hills, especially on the 1-40 stretch near Hillsborough. Starting in Raleigh, drive the short distances to Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and Charlotte to see how these cities are innovating through art, food, and a celebration of the past. Take your time—four days should do—to experience downtown arts districts, James Beard Award–winning restaurants, and civil rights museums that speak truths. Plan your trip

• A Road Trip Through North Carolina’s Reinvented Core

Scenic South Walton is part of the Emerald Coast of Florida.

20. Scenic Highway 30A: A Sunday Drive Through South Walton, Florida

Florida is full of places to cruise with the top down, but it’s hard to beat a Sunday (or any day) drive along Scenic Highway 30A through northwest Florida, home to a postcard-perfect stretch of seaside towns known as South Walton.

The roughly 28-mile route through South Walton County kisses the coast for nearly all its length, taking you through gorgeous residential Gulf-front communities like Rosemary Beach, Grayton Beach, and Blue Mountain Beach . Roll down the windows and let the emerald-hued views in.

Pull over to explore, too—maybe to admire the New Urbanism architecture in Alys Beach or to swim in the clear waters at Grayton Beach State Park . (The beach here has been lauded among the best in the world.)

• The full itinerary: The Florida Road Trip You’ve Been Missing

Stand-up paddleboarding is just one way to enjoy a Florida Keys sunset.

Shutterstock

21. The Florida Keys: An Island-Hopping Getaway

For a sunny road trip itinerary in Florida, skip Miami and head farther south. Beginning in Key Largo and ending in Key West, the Florida Keys Scenic Highway is often overlooked for more well-known routes up north, but it is well worth going out of your way to experience.

As the name suggests, this route is very scenic, so plan to spend at least a few days exploring it and numerous stops along the way. Some highlights include driving across the impressive Overseas Highway, stopping to admire art in the town of Islamorada, and enjoying the historic sites, food, and (of course) beaches in the city of Key West.

• The full itinerary: How to Road Trip in the Lesser-Known Florida Keys

Sun Studio in Memphis was the site of the famous Million Dollar recording session that brought together Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash.

Photo by f11photo on Shutterstock

22. Memphis to Bristol, Tennessee: A Music-Driven Adventure

If you have about a week to spare and a deep appreciation for music, take a road trip from one side of Tennessee to the other, starting in Memphis and ending in Bristol. The eastbound trip spans genres, including rock ( Graceland ), blues ( Beale Street) and, of course, country (did you really go to Tennessee if you didn’t go to Dollywood ?). Nashville serves as the halfway point on your journey—so consider penciling in an extra 48 hours to fully explore the state capital’s greatest hits.

• The full itinerary: 5 Great American Road Trips For Music Fans

The stunning coastline near Cueva del Indio has been the backdrop of star-studded films.

Photo by Alexsf.gr/Shutterstock

23. Arecibo to Condado, Puerto Rico: A Lesser-Known Side of a Well-Loved Island

In the minds of many, trips to Puerto Rico bring images of stunning beaches , delicious foods , and maybe a bioluminescent bay or two . But there’s plenty of history to be found here, too, as Puerto Rico was home to an Indigenous population known as the Taino, a heritage many Puerto Ricans embrace. That history can be explored via a road trip. Starting in the northern town of Arecibo, travel south to Ponce, then back north to Condado—along the way you’ll encounter petroglyphs, Indigenous sites, and breathtaking natural spots.

• The full itinerary: A Puerto Rico Road Trip That Puts Indigenous Culture First

Additional road trip planning resources Picking the route for your road trip is only one part of your planning. From what snacks to pack to which podcasts to listen to, these additional resources will help you prepare for your next adventure:

• Best road trip snacks
• Road trip planning apps
• Podcasts and audiobooks to download
• What to pack for a road trip

This article originally appeared online in August 2020. It was most recently updated on April 4, 2024, to include current information. Additional reporting by Jessie Beck, Erika Owen, Ray Rogers, Terry Ward, and Sheryl Nance-Nash.

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20 Must-See Scenic Routes on a Trans-America Road Trip

• Last Updated: June 5, 2024
• 22 minutes read

You’re planning your next road trip using your RV road trip planner , and you want to know: What are the best scenic routes in America? As I’ve traveled around the United States some of my favorite moments have been driving scenic routes.

They’re better than interstates for many reasons, including: they’re quieter, less crowded, and they take you through the most beautiful landscapes on the planet.

There’s a lot of them though, and with so many options, we know how hard it can be to choose the best scenic drive.

So, we looked for scenic drives with the most breathtaking views, must-see sights, and unique scenery. Using these criteria, we found the top 20 scenic drives in North America. 

Along with the best scenic routes in the U.S., we also included the top three must-see sights for each scenic drive AND the best time of year to drive these most beautiful roads.

Since, these routes are sometimes isolated, and include clearance restrictions, hairpin turns, and steep inclines, we’ve also included some safety tips for driving scenic driving routes.

Let’s get started so you can get driving!

IN THIS ARTICLE

Safety on the Best Scenic Routes in America

Check fluids and tires.

Many of the best scenic routes are isolated. They lack the services that you’ll find along the bigger interstates such as mechanics, and sometimes even gas stations.

So, if you get a flat tire, you’re unlikely to find help nearby, and you might have limited or no cell-service. Uh-oh.

Getting caught in a situation like this can be stressful. Avoid it all together by consistently checking your fluids, tires, and gas levels while on the road. 

Check Road Restrictions

You’re driving one of the best road trips in the U.S. when your passenger starts shrieking.

The bright yellow sign above the tunnel ahead of you screams: CLEARANCE 11’ 3”.

You realize, in a fraction of a moment, that your RV stands at 12’ and you slam on the brakes. Fortunately, you stop in time, but now what?

Avoid this situation by planning ahead. Contact the Department of Transportation for the scenic route you plan on driving.

Ask them about it’s road restrictions, clearance levels, etc. It can save your RV, or even your life. 

Take it Slow

You feel like you’re on a rollercoaster. Another hairpin turn makes your stomach do a flip as you peer over at the driver.

Their white-knuckle grip on the steering wheel and wide-eyes do nothing to reassure you. Slow down. It’s the scenic route for a reason—you’re supposed to be enjoying the scenery. 

Many of the best roads in the U.S. are a little more perilous than their interstate counterparts.

Some travel along high cliffs, involve tight turns, or steep inclines. It’s best to take your time while driving on them so you avoid becoming a statistic. 

Use These Roadside Assistance Companies

When you’re traveling on one of the best scenic routes in the U.S. You want peace of mind.

These companies will help you when you get a flat tire, need to be towed, run out of gas, and more. Enlist in one of their plans so you don’t get caught in a bind. 

• Good Sam (Find a plan HERE)
• AAA (Find a plan HERE)
• Your Insurance Company

–Many major insurance companies offer roadside assistance , including: Allstate, Statefarm, Nationwide, Farmers, Progressive, etc.

America’s 20 Most Scenic Road-Trip Routes

1. pacific coast highway, california.

No other road in the state of California so thoroughly captures the Golden State’s spirit.

Along it’s 655-mile length you’ll find yourself driving past sun-drenched beaches near LA, over the Golden Gate Bridge near San Francisco, and below towering Redwood tress in Northern California.

It gets better! The entire highway winds along the Pacific Ocean, giving you breathtaking views the entire drive. It’s my favorite scenic road- trip route on this list. 

Where: California 1 and Highway 101 – California

What to See:

• Big Sur – 90 miles of the most beautiful coast in the world.
• San Francisco – Golden Gate Bridge, eclectic culture, Alcatraz, and more.
• Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park – Where Coastal Redwoods, the tallest trees in the world, meet the Pacific Ocean.

Best Time to Visit: Year-Round (Thank you beautiful, California beach weather)

2. Volcanic Scenic Byway, Northern California & Southern Oregon 

It’s sometimes easy to forget that the Northwestern U.S. hides a ring of volcanoes.

These slumbering behemoths molded the beautiful landscape into what it is today. 

Drive along it’s dark pine forests and among it’s towering mountain ranges.

It’s one of the best roads in the U.S. because it’s tall height seems to stand above the rest of the world. 

Where: Northern California & Southern Oregon 

What to See:  

• Crater Lake – Massive volcanic caldera filled with beautiful blue water, and featuring famous Wizard Island.
• Lassen Volcanic National Park – Golden Gate Bridge, eclectic culture, Alcatraz, and more.
• Mt. Shasta – Drive by it at sunset to see the definition of Purple Mountain Majesty

Best Time to Visit: Summer/Spring

3. The Overseas Highway, U.S. 1 – Florida Keys 

Florida is known for it’s year-round, sub-tropical climate. I mean come on, it’s pretty much a jungle paradise edged with sugar-white sand beaches.

Nowhere is this more apparent than along The Overseas Highway.

It’s basically one enormous bridge that connects the Florida Keys—a series of islands—with some of the best wildlife, natural features, and beaches in the world. You won’t find any other road like this in the United States. 

Where: U.S. 1 – Florida Keys 

• Florida Keys – The highway connects these islands, each one with a treasure of it’s own.
• Dry Tortugas National Park – Massive abandoned sea fort surrounded by flourishing coral reefs and picturesque blue water
• 7-Mile Bridge – One of the longest bridges in the world with beautiful Gulf waters on either side.

Best Time to Visit: Winter/Spring (Probably best to avoid hurricane season)

4. Route 66 – Missouri

Good ol’ Route 66. It’s the Mother of all Roads, giving birth to American road culture as we know it.

While the entire route, stretching from Illinois to California, is surely worth checking out, there’s a must-see section.

The Missouri segment passes through the Ozarks with it’s winding rivers, limestone caverns, and forested hills. 

Where: Route 66 – Missouri 

• The Lake of the Ozarks – Great place for water sports with more than 1100 miles of shoreline (more than California’s coast).
• 66 Drive-In – Recapture some of that road spirit. See a drive-in movie at the oldest drive-in along Route 66
• Gateway Arch – This 630-foot man-made arch in St. Louis welcomes visitors to the American West

Best Time to Visit: Late Spring/Summer

5. Monument Valley Scenic Route, Northern Arizona & Southern Utah

This must-see scenic route provides views you won’t find anywhere else on the planet.

The sandstone bluffs that made Monument Valley famous line this epic highway. 

You can immerse yourself in the Navajo culture that can be found here, or hike one of the Valley’s many trails. 

Where: US Route 163 – Northern Arizona & Southern Utah

• Tribal Park Loop – 17-mile loop featuring all that Monument Valley has to offer from the seat of your RV
• The Mittens and Merrick Butte – Take a picture with Monument Valleys most famous sandstone giants
• Forest Gump Point – Iconic view of Monument Valley from the 1994 hit Forrest Gump

Best Time to Visit: Fall/Spring

6. Beartooth Highway, Northern Wyoming & Southern Montana

You’ll feel like you’re on top of the world when driving this scenic route. It’s a 5,000-foot rise in elevation covers over 68 miles of beautiful highway.

Along the way you’ll see snow capped mountain ranges, endless seas of lodgepole pines, and teeming wildlife. 

Where: Beartooth Highway – Northern Wyoming & Southern Montana

• Yellowstone National Park – The first National Park in the U.S. and my personal favorite. It features wolves, grizzlies, bison, and other wildlife amid pristine, forested wilderness and steaming hot springs and gushing geysers.
• Bear’s Tooth – Marvel at the highway’s namesake—an unusual, pyramid-shaped mountain.
• Clay Butte Fire Lookout Tower – Offer 360-degree views of the region (USE CAUTION: Dirt Road).

7. The Great River Road, Minnesota to Louisiana 

What’s the United States’ great river? Every American school kid knows the answer—The Mississippi.

So, it only makes sense that the 3,000 miles of road following it, carry the name: The Great Road River. This scenic route passes through 10 states and hundreds of river towns.

Where: Minnesota to Louisiana 

• New Orleans, Louisiana  – Unique city that perfectly captures Mississippi river culture. Known for it’s Cajun food, excellent jazz, and French infused culture. 
• Trail of Tears State Park – learn about the tragic history behind the Trail of Tears, do some fishing in the Mississippi River, and observe unique wildlife
• Fort Snelling – This Minnesota Fort, built in 1820, offers lessons about human history in the area dating back 10,000 years

Best Time to Visit: Fall (The iconic Fall landscape)

8. Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia to North Carolina

Lovingly referred to by many as ‘America’s Favorite Drive’, Blue Ridge Parkway weaves through 469 miles of Appalachian Highlands.

It’s 45 MPH speed limit and ban on semi-trucks makes for a relaxing drive through the surrounding wilderness with plenty of chances to spot it’s diverse wildlife. 

Where: Virginia to North Carolina 

• Mabry Mill – Snap a photo of this picturesque, old mill.
• Craggy Pinnacle – Two-mile hike through fairytale forests. It’s peak gives you a 360-degree view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. 
• Cascade Falls – Beautiful hike with gushing waterfall.

Best Time to Visit: Summer/Fall (Autumn colors galore)

9. 12 Scenic Byway, Utah 

The best road trip in Utah involves Highway 12—the spiritual spine of the state.

This stretch of highway passes Bryce Canyon National Park and Grand Escalante National Monument, through Dixie National Forest, and into Capitol Reef National Park.

You’ll see pine forests, rusty red landscapes, and unique hoodoos. 

Where: Utah 

• Bryce Canyon National Park – Famous for it’s geological formations called hoodoos as well as it’s diverse wildlife
• Grand Escalante National Park – We don’t need Elon Musk to get to Mars. You can find it at Grand Escalante National Park in Utah 
• Capitol Reef National Park – Keep an eye out for it’s sandstone arches and Western movie landscape.

10. Highway 101, Oregon 

The twin sister of California’s Pacific Coast Highway. It’s practically a continuation of that highway, but it has so much to offer that it deserves it’s own mention.

Along it’s coastal route you’ll see dark green mountains meeting wind swept seas. The combination of the two gives the highway an otherworldly appearance. 

Where: Oregon 

• Cannon Beach – Oregon’s premiere beach. Get a picture of the famous Haystack Rock and relax on the cool sands. 
• Sea Lions Cave – Largest Sea Cave in America and home to hundreds of Steller sea lions
• Oregon National Dunes Recreation Area – Where epic sand dunes lie between the ocean and Oregon’s massive forests

Best Time to Visit: September through mid-October

11. The Cascade Loop, Washington

This 440-mile loop passes through the Northern Cascade Mountain Range and Puget Sound.

You can stop off in Seattle to enjoy the cities beautiful views and unique architecture, or immerse yourself in the diverse wildlife of the Cascades. 

Where: Washington

• Puget Sound – Take a picture of Seattle’s Space Needle, spot an Orca pod from the shore, or marvel at the distance snow-capped Mt. Rainier. 
• Leavenworth – Quaint Bavarian themed town with plenty of fun festivals. 
• Stevens Pass – Breathtaking mountain and forest scenery perfect for hiking and snow sports.

Best Time to Visit: Summer/Early Fall

12. Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire

We all have that stereotypical image of Fall impressed into our minds—multicolored forests, crisp air, and autumnal festivals galore.

If you want to see the real-life version of that mental image, drive The Kancamagus Highway. It’s one of the best roads in the U.S. to experience Fall. 

Where: New Hampshire 112 – Northern New Hampshire

• White Mountain National Forest – Hardwood forests and Alpine peaks make for a breathtaking landscape.
• Flume Gorge – Natural, granite gorge with a raised bridge that runs it’s length.
• Franconia Notch State Park – Scenic mountain pass with spectacular hiking and wildlife.

Best Time to Visit: Fall (Autumn colors galore)

13. Trail Ridge Road, Colorado

In terms of best roads to drive in the U.S., Trail Ridge Road is the highest, reaching 12,183 feet at it’s peak. It meanders through Rocky Mountain National Park.

You’ll be provided with some of Colorado’s most beautiful wildernesses including huge pine forests and soaring mountain peaks. 

Where: Colorado

• Rocky Mountain National Park – The longest mountain range in the U.S. Home to diverse wildlife and breathtaking views. 
• Emerald Lake – 4.1-mile trail loop to one of Colorado’s most pristine mountain lake. 
• Estes Park – Great town for shopping, action sports, winter sports, and enjoying Rocky Mountain views.

Best Time to Visit: Summer

14. Coast Connection Scenic Byway, Alabama

If you’ve ever wanted to get a taste for Southern living in the United States this is the best U.S. road trip for you.

Alabama’s Coast Connection Scenic Byway features cultural downtowns, relaxing beaches, wildlife preserves, history, and the freshest seafood you’ll find in the South. 

Where: Alabama

• Bon Secour National Refuge – Keep an eye out for the endangered Alabama Beach Mouse, and other wildlife unique to the Coast. 
• Gulf State Park – Bike, kayak, and relax along it’s sugary sand shores.  
• Fort Morgan State Park – Where history and nature meet Alabama’s coast.

Best Time to Visit: Spring/Fall

15. Lake Michigan Coastal Road, Michigan

Bordering the largest lake in the United States, M-22 has been reported by many to be one of the top five drives in the U.S.

That’s unsurprising when you consider the spectacular scenery, delicious restaurants, and quaint fishing towns. 

Where: Highway M-22 – Michigan 

• Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore – Miles of sand bluff shores dotted with lush forests, pristine lakes, and unique plant and animal life.  
• Point Betsie Lighthouse – Check out this picturesque lighthouse at sunset.
• Leland – Get transported back in time among the wooden fishing shanties of this Michigan City. Practice the line while you’re here.

16. Richardson Highway, Alaska

Many refer to Alaska as ‘The Last Frontier’ of the United States. You can see why by driving one of the best scenic routes in the country.

Richardson Highway unfolds along glaciers, towering mountain ranges, and fertile Alaskan soil. It’s the best way to see Alaska, and all the nature it has to offer.  

Where: Alaska Route 4 – Alaska

• Mt. Denali – Tallest mountain in the United States, and one of the most breathtaking  
• Thompson Pass – Home to one of the few places in the world you can drive to a glacier.
• Keystone Canyon – Gorge with steep rock walls, dotted with waterfalls, and beautiful foliage.

17. Cherohala Skyway, Tennessee 

This scenic road trip snakes through the Great Smoky Mountains and Cherokee National Forest.

You’ll find trout-filled lakes, secret waterfalls, and gorgeous wildflowers along the highway. In the Fall it becomes a place of unparalleled autumnal beauty. 

Where: Highway 143 – Tennessee 

• Cherokee National Forest – Provides solitude in a backcountry forest with whitewater river rafting, fishing, and birdwatching.  
• Bald River Falls – Take a 6-mile forest road to a picturesque waterfall
• Santeetlah Lake – A beautiful lake for a picnic

18. Park Loop Road, Maine 

This short, but amazing scenic route takes you through some of the best Maine Wilderness.

You can spend time looking for wildlife in it’s dense forests, or relax on it’s beaches. It’ll make you feel like you’re on the edge of the world. 

Where: Acadia National Park – Maine 

• Cadillac Mountain – The main attraction in Acadia National Park. This mountain offers great views of the coast and it’s nearby islands.   
• Thunder Hole – Yeah, we know your Uncle has the same nickname, but this might make more noise than even him. It’s a rocky section of shoreline that creates a thunderous boom when waves collide with it. 
• Sand Beach – A gorgeous beach with sea shell infused sands

Best Time to Visit: Late Spring – Fall (Autumn colors galore)

19. 10-Mile Road, New England

What this scenic route lacks in size it makes up for in beauty. This quaint stretch of road will put you at ease instantly.

It’s the best of what the United States East coast has to offer: Gentle deciduous trees, sandy shores, and gentle sunsets. 

Where: Oceanic Drive – Newport, Rhode Island

• The East Passage of Narragansett – Two main attractions for this area: The lighthouse on Castle Hill and Hammersmith Farm, the childhood home of John F. Kennedy. 
• Brenton Point State Park – Picnic, hike, and relax with spectacular views of the Eastern U.S.’s coast. 
• Mansions – Gawk at the houses of the country’s most wealthy families

20. Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana

Once you drive this beautiful road, you’ll understand why the state gave it the name: ‘Going-to-the-Sun-Road’.

It quite literally ascends thousands of miles into the peaks of the Rocky Mountains.

The entire drive is breathtaking. Make sure you’re the passenger so you can fully enjoy it. 

Where: Glacier National Park – Montana

• Lake McDonald – Clear, reflective glacial lake with multi-colored river rocks along it’s shorelines. Perfect for a picture! 
• Logan’s Pass – Stay in your car, and gaze around at the mountainous scenery, or hike the easy trail nearby to get a more intimate view of nature. 
• Glacier National Park – This national park contains one of the most beautiful glacial mountain ranges in the world. It’s protected lands shelter unique plant and animal life. 

There’s 20 of the best scenic routes in the U.S. Truth be told, the United States has over 4.8 million miles of road, more than any other country in the world.

More than likely we missed your best U.S. road trip. So, tell us about it in the comments below!

About Author / Aaron Richardson

Aaron Richardson is an expert RVer and the co-founder of RVing Know How. Aaron, along with his wife Evelyn, has been living and traveling in their Keystone Fuzion RV since 2017. Their adventures span across the country and beyond, including memorable RVing experiences in Mexico. Aaron's passion for the outdoors and RVing shines through in his writings, where he shares a blend of travel stories, practical tips, and insights to enhance the RV lifestyle.

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TravelAwaits

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The 14 Most Scenic Drives In The U.S.

• Destinations
• Road Trips In The U.S.
• Scenic Byways
• Types of Travel
• United States

From the moment the first Model Ts rolled off the assembly line in Detroit, Michigan, Americans in big cities and small towns couldn’t get enough of the automobile. Over the past century, they’ve increasingly slid behind the wheel to explore both regional two-lane highways and wide interstates that stretch from coast to coast.

Today, Americans travel hundreds of miles by car to explore new places, and it’s easy to understand why. Not only are road trips affordable, but they give travelers maximum flexibility to explore. America is certainly full of breathtaking scenery, from majestic mountains capped with snow to miles of sandy beaches and everything in between.

These are the 14 most scenic drives in the United States, from sea to shining sea.

1. Coastal Highway 1

Beginning with America’s First Mile in Fort Kent, Maine, U.S. Route 1 stretches the length of the eastern United States for more than 2,400 miles from Maine to Key West.

Heading south, the highway bids adieu to the Canadian border in Calais, Maine, and begins hugging the rocky shore, delivering incredible views all the way to New Hampshire along the section of U.S. Route 1 known as Coastal Highway 1.

Take a slight detour in Ellsworth, Maine, and head south to spend a day in Acadia National Park . See how many of the state’s 65 historic lighthouses you can spot along your scenic drive, and never pass up a chance to enjoy a lobster roll .

2. Ocean Drive

Rhode island.

Compared with the 526 miles that Coastal Highway 1 extends through Maine, this next scenic drive is just 10 miles long, but it still delivers beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean. Winding around the southern coast of Aquidneck Island, this scenic drive begins near Fort Adams State Park and ends with the impressive seaside mansions of Newport .

During your drive, you can see the cream-and-tan Castle Hill Lighthouse and the colorful, kite-filled Brenton Point State Park. If you want to stretch your legs, take a stroll along the cliff walk that extends 3.5 miles along the island’s eastern shore.

3. Skyline Drive

About 100 miles west of the hustle and bustle of the Washington, D.C. metro area, Skyline Drive runs lengthwise through Shenandoah National Park . Enjoy more than 70 scenic overlooks as you wind through the azure- and emerald-tinted Blue Ridge Mountains veiled in a misty haze. It typically takes about three hours to complete this scenic drive, but be sure to allow additional time to hike to waterfalls, enjoy a picnic, and scout for wildlife if the weather and your itinerary allow.

4. Overseas Highway

More than 2,000 miles south of the mountains in Maine are the last 100 miles of U.S. Route 1. The Overseas Highway boasts more than 40 bridges and hovers just above the water through the Florida Keys. It takes about 4 hours to travel this scenic highway from Miami to Key West , but you’ll want to allow at least another 2 hours in each direction to admire the scenery, inhale the salty breezes, and enjoy conch fritters and a slice of Key lime pie.

5. Route 66

Traversing 2,400 miles from the Windy City of Chicago through the Rocky Mountain Divide to the Pacific Ocean in Santa Monica, California, Route 66 is famous for being one of the nation’s first interstate roads connecting two of America’s biggest cities.

While the Mother Road was largely circumvented by the four-lane federal interstates that began crisscrossing the nation during the Eisenhower administration and was officially decommissioned in 1985, it remains one of the most scenic drives in the U.S. for nostalgic history lovers drawn to its unique combination of decaying and restored landmarks.

6. Needles Highway

South dakota.

The majority of the 14 million tourists arriving in South Dakota each year visit Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial . After gazing up at the images of Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, and Roosevelt, chiseled into the granite mountains, head west for the next portion of your journey. Just two-tenths of a mile south of the intersection of U.S. 385 and South Dakota Highway 244 you will find South Dakota Highway 87 and the entrance to Needles Highway.

Leave plenty of time to explore this gorgeous 14-mile-long drive past tall, narrow granite “needle” formations jutting up from the earth. Enjoy many switch backs and narrow tunnels along this meandering drive that takes you into the very heart of Custer State Park , a state park that rivals many of the most well-known national parks. Portions that run through the park itself do require you to pay the park fee, but this is a small price to pay for the natural beauty you will encounter.

Take a brief detour south of U.S. Route 16A to Wildlife Loop Road, where you’ll see bison herds and scenes that will remind you of Dances with Wolves . This is just the beginning of a 70-mile scenic drive through the Black Hills of South Dakota along South Dakota 87.

7. Flint Hills National Scenic Byway

While most travelers appreciate the grandeur of majestic mountains, rugged coastlines, and ocean views, the beauty of the last stretch of unmowed prairie in the Flint Hills may not be as universally appreciated. But when you leave Interstate 70 and travel this 47-mile national scenic byway along Kansas Highway 177 south to Cassoday, Kansas, you’ll be treated to views of rolling hills dotted with wildflowers and prairie grasses that change colors with the seasons. You won’t find that on America’s coasts!

8. El Camino Real

For hundreds of years, North American natives traveled a 1,600-mile trade route from Mexico City to Santa Fe, New Mexico. Known as El Camino Real (the Royal Highway), it was used to move crops, livestock, turquoise, and other goods between Mesoamerica and the Rocky Mountains.

While wagon caravans and conquistadors on horseback took months to travel this road, you can drive the 300 miles of desert landscape from the U.S.-Mexico border to north of Santa Fe in the air-conditioned comfort of your vehicle in about 5 hours. Allow more time to make stops in the cities along the way, like Las Cruces and Albuquerque.

9. Going-To-The-Sun Road

Without stopping to breathe in the crisp mountain air, observe the wildlife, or snap a picture by the sign on Logan Pass that marks the continental divide, it takes about 2 hours to travel the 50-mile-long Going-to-the-Sun Road . Since the highest point along the route exceeds 6,600 feet, this scenic drive is only open a few months of the year — typically not until at least June.

One unique way to see this scenic drive is from the comfortable bench seats of the park’s famous red buses . Why not experience Going-to-the-Sun Road by sitting back and letting a local drive and narrate your journey? While each guide takes a different approach, you’ll likely learn about the Native American tale tied to Wild Goose Island in the middle of Saint Mary Lake, the animals that make their home in this part of Northern Montana, and the latest facts and figures about the park’s shrinking glaciers.

10. Beartooth Highway

Winding through the mountains and past crystal-clear lakes, Beartooth Highway is a 70-mile section of U.S. Route 212 that connects the ski town of Red Lodge, Montana , to the northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park near Cooke City, Montana.

Because this scenic drive climbs to nearly 11,000 feet above sea level, it’s not uncommon to pass 8-foot-tall packed snowbanks, meadows filled with snow, and even skiers when driving through Beartooth Pass at the peak of summer. As with Going-to-the-Sun Road, you’ll need to plan ahead and check the road conditions to travel the entire length of this scenic drive, even in summer.

11. Scenic Byway 12

This scenic drive bisects the Escalante Mountains connecting Capitol Reef National Park with Bryce Canyon National Park . Starting in Torrey, Utah, the 120-mile journey begins with the arid rock formations of Bryce Canyon and transforms into the open meadows and aspen and pine forests of the Boulder Mountains. In the Dixie National Forest, you can enjoy the incredible views at Powell Point Vista and gaze at the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument as you continue toward Henrieville, Utah. Scenic Byway 12 wraps up with the red arches in Red Canyon near Panguitch, Utah.

12. Pacific Coast Highway

Spanning nearly the entire West Coast of America, from Washington State to Southern California, Highway 101 is one of the most famous scenic drives in the U.S. However, about 200 miles south into California from the Oregon border, in the town of Leggett, California, Highway 1 breaks off from Highway 101 and heads directly for the coast. For the next 650 miles, Highway 1 (also known as the Pacific Coast Highway ) hugs the Golden State’s rocky coast, occasionally reconnecting with Highway 101.

Pro Tip: To treat yourself to the most spectacular views along this scenic drive, travel the Pacific Coast Highway from north to south.

13. 17-Mile Drive

Either as a detour from the Pacific Coast Highway or as a stand-alone experience, consider California’s 17-Mile Drive , which clings to the Monterey Peninsula.

Begin your scenic journey in Pacific Grove, California , just a short drive from the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium , and travel counterclockwise past Asilomar State Beach and several Instagram-worthy spots like Spanish Bay and China Rock.

As the road approaches the Pebble Beach Golf Links , don’t miss the Lone Cypress. Standing tall (and alone) at the end of a granite hillside overlooking Carmel Bay, this 250-year-old evergreen is one of the most photographed trees in the U.S.

14. Road To Hana

Across the Pacific on the Hawaiian island of Maui , the Road to Hana is a must-do experience in the Aloha State. While many of the drives described above feature hairpin turns or a large number of bridges, the Road to Hana has both. The speed limit on this highway tops out at 25 miles per hour, so be sure to allow a minimum of 3 hours to navigate its multiple blind spots, more than 600 hairpin curves, and nearly 60 one-lane bridges.

In addition to appreciating amazing tropical views of rainbows and waterfalls, you can enjoy fresh pineapple, purchase fragrant leis, and browse handmade crafts at a variety of roadside stands along this scenic drive.

Related Reading:

• 20 Road Trip Essentials I’ve Learned To Never Hit The Road Without
• 13 Scenic Road Trips To Experience In Canada In 2023
• 15 Scenic Road Trips To Experience In The U.S. In 2023

Bitten by the travel bug as a preschooler when her family moved abroad for the first time, Sage Scott is addicted to travel. From her nomadic upbringing in a military family to her personal and professional travels as an adult, Sage has visited all 50 states, lived abroad twice, and explored nearly 30 other countries.

Now settled in America’s Heartland, Sage writes with a midlife traveler’s perspective from Kansas City — the Midwestern cowtown affectionately called the Paris of the Plains and the undisputed Barbecue Capital of the World — and is always in search of new experiences whether in her hometown or halfway around the world.

25 Best Scenic Road Trips in the USA for Your Bucket List

Posted on December 26, 2020 | Julie J. |

Last Updated on March 22, 2023

One of the most epic ways of visiting the US is a road trip allowing you to see some amazing and diverse landscapes with all the freedom only a car or a camper can give! Discover this list of the most iconic and scenic road trips in the USA and choose your next adventure!

Related article – Best National Parks to visit this summer

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on any links and make a purchase, we’ll get a small commission, at no cost to you.

Travel tip: before any trip, make sure you get good travel insurance.

1 – Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

Where: Washington, Oregon, and California

Start : Olympia (WA)

End: San Diego (CA)

Length: 2,695 Km – 1,650 miles

How long: min 4 max 8 days

Best period: late September-early October

Choose it if: you are searching for some Instagram-friendly places and you like natural landscapes

Unmissable stops:

• Lewis & Clark National and State Historical Park (OR): spend a full day discovering the stories of some famous American explorers;
• Redwood National and State Parks (CA): one of the best places to visit in California , you’ll need at least a weekend to fully enjoy the many trails among the giant trees;
• San Francisco (CA) : this vibrant city deserves 1 day of sightseeing;
• Point Sur State Historic Park (CA): save at least a couple of hours to take some pictures of the coast from the best viewpoints of the park;

2 – Route 66 – Mother Road

Where: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California

Start: Chicago (IL)

End: Los Angeles (CA)

Length: 3,940 Km – 2450 miles

How long: min 8 max 10 days

• Galena (IL): half a day to only visit downtown and 1 full day to also take a bike tour along the nice river trail;
• Meramec Caverns (MO): a 2h stop is what you need to visit them;
• Cadillac Ranch (TX): watch this famous art installation reminding of the hippie era and the 70s;
• Painted Desert (AZ): the scenic drive through the desert takes about 2h;

Best period: May or September

Choose it if: you’ve always dreamed about this iconic road trip on one of the first American highways and want to visit some of the best attractions along Route 66.

Related – How To Plan An RV Trip: Helpful Tips and Phone Apps

3 – Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip

Where: Virginia and North Carolina

Start : Shenandoah National Park (VA)

End: Great Smoky Mountains National Park (NC)

Length: 754 Km – 468 miles

How long: 1 weekend

• The Natural Bridge: stop at this natural stone bridge above a steep gorge;
• The Blowing Rock: named after the strong winds that blow here every day, this high cliff is worth a stop and some pictures;
• Beacon Heights: these rocky platforms are a natural outlook;
• Oconaluftee (NC): visit the museum and its exhibitions to learn more about Cherokee culture;

Best period: summer

Choose it if: this Blue Ridge Parkway road trip is perfect if you are planning a relaxing summer weekend road trip in the mountains

4 – Great River Road

Where: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana

Start: Lake Itasca (MN)

End: Venice (LA)

Length: 3,330 Km – 2070 miles

How long: min 6 max 10 days

Best period: autumn

Choose it if: you want to see the many colors of the Mississippi River Valley

• Fort Snelling (MN): this visit deserves at least 2h;
• Cahokia Mounds (IL): another couple of hours shall be dedicated to this archeological site featuring an ancient native necropolis;
• Natchez (MS): the oldest settlement on the Mississippi River is worth a day of sightseeing thanks to its old-style architecture;
• New Orleans (LA): spend 2 or 3 days in this cosmopolitan city where American, French, and African cultural roots are mixed together;

5 – US Route 50

Where: California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, District of Columbia, Maryland

Start: Sacramento (CA)

End: Ocean City (MD)

Length: 4,946 Km – 3,070 miles

How long: min 10 max 15 days

• Placerville (CA): half a day is enough to visit this ancient gold rush town;
• Lake Tahoe (NV): a relaxing day by the lake or taking a boat tour;
• Colorado National Monument (CO): you can drive around all day long – you can also make a stop at nearby Garden of the Gods and go on a hike;
• Salisbury (MD): save at least a couple of hours to hike in the Pemberton Historical Park or rent a kayak for a day trip on the river;

Best period: spring

Choose it if: you’ve always wanted to do a “coast to coast” road trip and feel like a pioneer

Related article – Best Places to Visit in Utah: 100 Adventures for Your Family’s Bucket List

6 – US Highway 2 Road Trip

Where: Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine

Start: Everett (WA)

End: Houlton (ME)

Length: 3,404 Km – 2110 miles

How many days: min 8 max 15

The unmissable stops:

• Acadia National Park (ME): you should spend at least 3 days in Acadia to be able to fully enjoy the natural wonders of this national park at the heart of the New England Region ;
• Hiawatha National Forest (MI): an unmissable camping site to sleep under the stars;
• Lake Spokane (WA): save at least half a day for a boat tour;
• Seattle (WA): spend a weekend in the Emerald City to visit its museums and its many parks. Don’t forget to climb up to the top of the iconic Space Needle;

Best period: late spring (make sure to check out our complete Spring trip packing list !)

Choose it if: you want to spend several days into the wild.

7 – Oregon Trail

Where: Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon

Start: Independence (MO)

End: Oregon City (OR)

Length: 3,218 Km – 1,380 miles

How long: 1 week

• Chimney Rock (NE): one of the most iconic points of interest of the whole trail – if you have time and want to go for an easy hike, you can check out nearby Saddle Rock Trail ;
• Devil’s Gate (WY): stop to watch this landmark that was an important place for the first pioneers going westward;
• Three Islands Crossing State Park (ID): save 1 full day to go hiking in the park and visit its cultural center;
• Hat Rock Loop (OR): a great hike and a perfect place to stop for a picnic;

Best period: late spring

Choose it if: you are searching for a road trip mixing driving and hiking.

8 – Great Northern Road Trip

Where: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Québec, Ontario, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington

Start: Acadia National Park (ME)

End: Seattle (WA)

Length: 5,793 Km – 3,600 miles

How long: min 15 max 22 days

Choose it if: you want to go on road trip to escape the city and dive into some pristine nature

• City of Rocks National Reserve (ID): spend a weekend hiking the geological interpretative trail and try some rock climbing too;
• Glacier National Park (MT): save another weekend to hike among glaciers;
• Munising (MN): stop for a couple of hours to admire the lovely Munising Falls just outside the town;
• Mackinac Island (MI): a weekend there is what you need to explore the natural beauties of the island such as the Arch Rock or the Conservatory of Butterflies;

Related article – Best Spring Break destinations for families

9 – Appalachian Trail

Where: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia

Start: Baxter State Park (ME)

End: Springer Mountain (GA)

Length: 3,540 Km – 2,200 miles

Choose it if: you like hiking and nature

• Bash Bish Falls State Park (ME): the highest waterfall in Maine is worth a hike and a picnic;
• Crawford Notch State Park (NH): half a day is enough for a scenic and easy hike;
• Shenandoah National Park (VA): save 1 full day for some hikes in this unmissable national park;
• Tallulah Gorge State Park (GA): if you’re running out of time, save only a couple of hours for an easy hike;
• Atlanta (GA): spend a day visiting the city’s iconic sites and don’t miss Atlanta’s beautiful murals ;

10 – Atlantic Coast Road Trip

Where: Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida

Start: Kennebunkport (ME)

End: Key West (FL)

Length: 2,574 Km – 1,600 miles

How long: min 8 max 15 days

• Boston (MA): a full day is barely enough to get an overview of this city. Follow the Freedom Trail and relax in the Boston Public Garden before experiencing the American Revolution inside the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum;
• New York City: if New York City is on your bucket list don’t miss spending a day or two in the city that never sleeps discovering some of the best things to do in New York ;
• Hatteras Island (NC): spend a weekend surfing and swimming;
• Savannah (GA) : a weekend in this lovely Southern city is always a good idea. Don’t miss its perfectly preserved historic district;
• Miami: it deserves at least a weekend since Miami is full of things to see and do . Explore the colorful Wynwood Art District, do some shopping downtown and relax on the iconic South Beach;

Best period: early summer

Choose it if: you want a road trip that will take you through some beautiful coastal cities and to also enjoy some beach life now and then.

11 – Route 93 – Border to Border

Where: Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, Idaho, Montana, Alberta Canada

Start: Nogales (Mexico)

End: Jasper National Park (Canada)

Length: 3,612 Km – 2245 miles

How long: min 5 max 10 days

• Great Basin National Park (NV): it requires at least a couple of days to visit Lehman caves and enjoy some scenic hikes;
• Crater of the Moon National Monument (ID): spend at least a couple of hours in the place where the first astronauts trained before landing on the moon. When you’ll see this weird landscape, you’ll understand why they chose it!
• Grand Canyon (AZ) : if you just want to take some pictures and enjoy the view, you can spend half a day driving around
• Jasper National Park (Canada): end your trip with a weekend in Canada to admire the famous Maligne Canyon and spot some local wildlife

Choose it if: you want to experience American wilderness in all its forms

Related – Best family-friendly destinations in Arizona

12 – Road to Nowhere

Where: Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Manitoba Canada

Start: Matamoros (Mexico)

End: Swan River (Canada)

Length: 3,300 Km – 2,050 miles

• Knife River Indian Villages (ND): spend a couple of hours learning more about native tribes and their everyday life;
• Sitting Bull Memorial (SD): pay tribute to this iconic historical character;
• Land of Oz (KS): don’t miss a short visit to the Dorothy’s House in Liberal;
• Utopia (TX): if you’re a biker, stop to visit the Lone Star Motorcycle Museum;

Best period: spring or autumn

Choose it if: you like the most “out-of-the-beaten-paths” itineraries

13 – US 80 – Southern Pacific Road Trip

Where: California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia

Start: San Diego (CA)

End: Savannah (GA)

Length: 5,632 Km – 3,500 miles

• Santa Monica (CA): enjoy a weekend by the sea in this fancy town;
• Tobstone (AZ): step back in time and experience the atmosphere of the Old Wild West;
• Roswell (NM): don’t miss a stop at the International UFO Museum and Research Center to commemorate the historical Roswell incident;
• Montgomery (AL): spend 1 day visiting all the most important places linked to the Civil Rights Movement (Legacy Museum, Rosa Parks Library and Museum, Martin Luther King Home etc.) and learn more about all the main characters of that period;
• Savannah (GA): spend your last few days exploring Savannah .

Choose it if: you want a varied road trip itinerary including beaches, entertainment, culture, and history.

14 – Hana Highway Road Trip

Where: Maui Island, Hawaii

Start: Kahului

Length: 103 Km – 63 miles

How long: min 5h max 2 days

Choose it if: you are on holiday on Maui island and you want to explore some of its natural beauties and go on a road trip.

• Maui Nui Botanical Gardens: spend at least 2h wandering through the different species of local plants and flowers;
• Twin Falls: take a break a have a swim in this tropical paradise;
• Haipua’ena Falls: this secret sport is often unknown by tourists, so you can spend a couple of hours in peace;
• Waianapanapa State Park: the shortest hike requires about 1h30;

15 – Chicago to Shawnee National Forest Road Trip

Where: Illinois

Start: Chicago

End: Shawnee National Forest

Length : 563 Km – 350 miles

Choose it if: you are a nature lover and you love camping and hiking

• The Garden of the Gods Trail: a 1h hike that’s quite easy and full of wild flowers;
• Trail of Tears: learn more about the story of the Cherokee tribes exiled to the government-designated lands;
• Inspiration Point Trail: a short trek by the river with some amazing views;
• Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area: the best camping area of the park;

16 – 17Mile Drive

Where: California

Start: Pacific Grove

End: Pebble Beach

Length: 27 Km – 17 miles

How long: 1h

Choose it if: you are searching for a romantic gateway.

• Spanish Bay Beach;
• Fanshell Beach Overlook;
• The Lone Cypress;
• Pebble Beach: spend a relaxing day off playing golf or sunbathing on the beach;

17 – US 1 Florida Keys Road Trip

Where: Florida

Start: Miami

End: Key West

Length: 181 Km – 112miles

How long: min 1 max 5 days

• Key Largo: spend an entire day snorkeling in the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park;
• Seven Mile Bridge: everybody stops on this old bridge to take a picture on their way to Key West! That’s the symbol of this iconic highway running above the ocean;
• Bahia Honda State Park: for a relaxing day on the beach, choose this State park which is also a peaceful place in the low season;
• Key West: you can easily spend a whole weekend (or more) here among its beaches, souvenir shops, traditional wooden houses, and typical restaurants and bars;

Best period: winter

Choose it if: you want to experience driving above the ocean and swim in a tropical environment, spending some time at the beach.

18 – Route 12 Road Trip

Where: Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan

Start: Aberdeen (WA)

End: Detroit (MI)

Length: 3,998 Km – 2500 miles

How long : min 8 max 15 days

• Minneapolis (MN): spend a weekend exploring the city and its many parks;
• Gary (IN): if you are a music fan, stop at the house where Michael Jackson and his siblings were born!
• Chicago (IL): it deserves at least a weekend of sightseeing thanks to its innovative architecture. Don’t miss the Millennium Park and the Magnificent Mile;
• Detroit (MI): if you’re running out of time, save at least 1 full day to visit a couple of museums like the Detroit Institute of Arts or the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation;

Choose it if: you are interested in doing some sightseeing

19 – Bluebonnet Trail

Where: Texas

Start: Burnet

End: Johnson City

Length: 106 Km – 66 miles

How long: 2h or a whole weekend

• Burnet: the perfect place to stay overnight, since it’s nicknamed the “capital of bluebonnet”;
• Enchanted Rock State Natural Area: spend at least a couple of hours in this idyllic landscape to take plenty of pictures;
• Fredericksburg: spend a couple of hours in one of its many wineries or stay overnight for some sightseeing;
• Johnson City: spend a couple of hours visiting the house where President Lindon Johnson spent his childhood;

Best period: late March – early April

Choose it if: you want to see the blooming of the bluebonnets in the Texan countryside

20 – North Shore Drive Road Trip

Where: Minnesota

Start: Duluth

End: Grand Portage State Park

Length: 239 Km – 148 miles

How long: min 3 max 6 days

Best period: September – October

Choose it if: you want to admire the Autumn foliage by the lake.

• Two Harbours: stop for a couple of pictures of the majestic Lake Superior;
• Gooseberry Falls State Park: reach the waterfalls with an easy hike that will take about half a day;
• Black Beach: also called “onyx beach” for its black color, it’s a perfect spot for a picnic;
• Lutsen: spend a weekend in the mountains and don’t miss a ride on the Mountain Tram!

21 – Trail Ridge Road

Where: Colorado

Start: Estes Park

End: Grand Lake

Length: 77 Km – 48 miles

How long: 2h

• Farview Curve Overlook: one of the best spots for your pictures;
• Gore Range Overlook: to admire the highest peaks of the range;
• Many Parks Curve Overlook: it’s often the busiest lookout but it’s worth a stop;
• Alpine Ridge Trail: it’s quite hard but the wonderful view from its top is really worth it!

Choose it if: you want to admire the majestic beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park , one of the best national parks in Colorado.

Alternative route: Denver to Aspen road trip for a longer route passing through many of Colorado’s highlights.

22 – Kancamagus Highway

Where: New Hampshire

Start: Lincoln

End: Conway

Length: 90 Km – 56 miles

How long: min 1h max 4h

Best period : late September – early October

Choose it if: you want to take some Autumn pictures in nature and see fall foilage.

• Albany Covered Bridge: stretch your legs walking across this ancient wooden covered bridge;
• Swift River: the most Instagram-friendly place along the road;
• Russel Colbath Homestead: you’ll need about 30 minutes to visit this old house telling you some ancient stories;
• Champney Falls: a 2h hike will lead you to these spectacular waterfalls that are worth a stop for some pictures;

23 – Going-to-the-Sun Road

Where: Montana

Start: West Glacier

End: Logan Pass

Length: 80 Km – 50 miles

How long: min 3h max 4 days

• Grinnell Glacier: a 2-day trek will lead you up to this glacier where you’ll be able to spot some icebergs on the lake!
• Weeping Wall: streams falling from a cliff and forming a thaw waterfall in spring and summer;
• Hidden Lake: spend at least 1h hiking up to this beautiful lookout;
• Logan Pass Visitor Center: visit its exhibitions and learn more about the history of Glacier National Park;

Best period: from late June to early August

Choose it if: you feel like admiring some alpine landscapes and some glaciers.

24 – Death Valley Scenic Drive Road Trip

Start: Olancha

End: Dante’s View

Length : 209 Km – 130 miles

How long: min 3h max 1 full day

• Badwater Basin: hike for a couple of hours in this iconic place located -86m below sea level;
• Zabriskie Point: spend some time taking pictures in one of the most scenic places of the Death Valley;
• Artist’s Palette: a weird rocky formation seeming colored by a painter that’s worth a quick stop;
• Dante’s View: end your trip with an easy hike leading you to the top of this rocky formation at almost 2,000 ft (1500m);

Choose it if: you like rocky and desertic landscapes.

25 – Olympic Peninsula Loop

Where: Washington

Start/End: loop in the Olympic Peninsula National Park

Length: 529 Km – 330 miles

Best period: late winter

Choose it if: you like snowy landscapes and wild forests.

• Brementon: stop for a couple of hours to visit the USS Turner Joy Museum Ship;
• Ruby Beach: the perfect place to watch the sunset;
• Cape Flattery: save at least 2h for this hike overlooking the ocean and passing through a pine forest;
• Sol Duc Falls: a 1h hike will lead you to these beautiful waterfalls;

Check out some of our other USA Travel Guides:

• Best California vacation spots for families
• Epic Spring Break destinations
• Best travel destinations on the East Coast
• USA epic winter bucket list

About the author

From Italy, Chiara is a travel designer, writer and freelance travel consultant. She works with travel professionals worldwide, helping them with content creation, research activities, and other travel-related tasks. When she’s not writing, she’s out and about visiting World Heritage Sites around the world.

Related posts:

26 Absolute Best (and Underrated) Fall Drives in the US You’ve Gotta See to Believe

Posted on Published: June 19, 2023  - Last updated: December 12, 2023

There’s truly not a bad time to take a road trip in the United States, but fall drives are absolutely magical. From the winding mountain roads along the Blue Ridge Parkway engulfed in vibrant reds and oranges to tranquil coastal highways lined with golden foliage, this is the ultimate list of the best fall road trips to take in the US!

This post may contain affiliate links. For more info, see my  disclosures .

Bright yellow Aspen Trees surrounded by stunning mountains in Colorado. Picturesque coastal views along the North Shore in Minnesota. Classic, vivid foliage on. the best fall road trips in New England. There’s simply so many places to see in the USA for the best fall foliage in September and October!

This list covers coast to coast and a bunch of amazing routes in between. From scenic drives in the country’s most popular national parks to hidden gems with far fewer tourists, these are some of the most amazing fall foliage road trips you’ll ever see .

Must-see video: scenic fall drives in the USA

Best driving routes for fall foliage map

Although the East Coast is known for the best fall drives, there are many epic fall road trips all over the United States to add to your bucket list! Each pin on this map marks a stop on one of the very best driving routes to for fall foliage .

Use this map and the details below to help you decide where to road trip this fall!

Fall road trip essentials: what to pack

Whether you’re hitting the best scenic drives Colorado or the highly popular New England, you’ll want to have a few things to help make the most of your trip!

• Food and snacks.  Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer adventure, you’ll want to be prepared with food. Bring some healthy snacks for road trips or pre-made foods for the road. Oh, and don’t forget to pack a  reusable water bottle !
• Collapsible cooler.  Drinks and pre-made foods will need to be kept cold while on your fall road trip. I like this  collapsible cooler  because it folds down for storage, and keeps food and drinks cold when you need it.
• Extra layers.  Dress for the season, and keep in mind where the weather can change dramatically very quickly in higher elevations. Take a  rain jacket and  medium coat  or heavier depending on which scenic route you choose.
• GoPro  for capturing photos and videos.  A phone camera can be sufficient, but you could also level up your photos. I got this GoPro and started recording  epic road trips , snorkeling with sea turtles and so much more. This is the  GoPro I use  and it works perfect for road trips!
• Kids road trip activities.  If you’re traveling with kids of any age, make sure to bring games, snacks and activities to keep the boredom to a minimum. My family travels with  Fire tablets , loaded with games for our kids.
• Mineral sunblock.  Wear sunscreen when you’re venturing out of the vehicle to protect your skin – yes, even during the fall. Mineral sunblock is better for the earth’s waterways, too.
• Hiking gear.  It always feels good to stretch your legs during a road trip, and many of these scenic fall drives include a hike! Pack comfortable  hiking shoes with traction ,  trekking poles  (always helpful) and a  hiking backpack  to carry water, food and any other items you need while hiking.

Just a quick note that I haven’t been everywhere (yet) so I’ve asked some of my fellow travel writers to help out with this list. Enjoy!

Best fall drives in the United States

Gah! Are you ready to plan a scenic fall foliage road trip, full of beautiful red, orange and yellow vegetation? Timing it right can be a bit tricky, so check out the recommendations on each scenic route below.

Let’s dive in!

1. Eastern Sierra fall road trip, California

• Distance:  300 miles
• Recommended time:  3-5 days
• Best time to see fall colors:  October

For a full fall foliage road trip in the Eastern Sierra, take the scenic route from Bakersfield along Highway 178 through Kern Valley then north on US-395 all the way to Yosemite Valley . The peaks of the Sierras make a perfect backdrop for the color-changing cottonwoods and aspens in the area.

From Bakersfield, head east on 178 and make a quick pit stop at Lake Isabella near Kernville for your first view of the foliage.

It’s only going to get better on this road trip, so continue on until you hit US-395 and then head north toward Lone Pine. Here you should set up camp and spend the night in the stunning Alabama Hills with Mount Whitney in the distance.

Continue your search for color about an hour drive north to Bishop. It’s definitely worth taking a slight detour to explore Bishop Creek Canyon, with plenty of foliage along the rushing water and an alpine lake surrounded by gorgeous willows and aspens.

Next make your way to June Lake, just past the town of Mammoth. Take a 16-mile drive around June Lake Loop for truly spectacular views of golden aspens against the clear blue water of several lakes.

Finally, turn toward Yosemite National Park where you’ll want to spend at least a few days. Take on some of the  best hikes in Yosemite  for a splash of color against the evergreen trees and soaring granite walls.

Recommended by Allison of She Dreams of Alpine

2. Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park

• Distance:  280 miles round trip
• Recommended time:  2-4 days
• Best time to see fall colors:  Mid-Late October (but keep an eye on color forecasts)

Visiting Shenandoah National Park and the  Skyline Drive in autumn  is one of the most magical places on the east coast to see fall colors. If you catch it right, the trees will be an array of colors spanning from gold to a deep red . Its beauty blew me away. 

For this road trip, we’ll be starting from Richmond, VA. Head west for about 90 minutes until you reach Massanuttan or Harrisonburg. There should be ample hotels, lodging, and camping available in the area. 

From here, you’ll be 15 minutes from the Skyline Drive, a beautiful scenic drive that cuts through the heart of Shenandoah National Park . This fall drive provides almost unlimited hiking and sightseeing potential. 

The Skyline Drive runs predominately north and south through the park. I found the hikes were better on the north half of the park (highway 33 cuts it in half), but the southern portion had some really lovely viewpoints that you will want to take advantage of. 

As you are a hiker, I recommended checking out the trails to Hawkbill Summit, Whiteoak Canyon, and Old Man Rag . All differed in length and difficulty, but each one led to unique and beautiful views!

As for viewpoints, you’ll have more than you can possibly know what to do with. Some of my favorites included The Oaks Overlook, Rockytop Overlook, and the Big Run Overlook. But, I can assure you that no matter where you stop, you will be left speechless!

Recommended by Alec of Explore with Alec

3. The Cascade Loop, Washington (one of the top scenic fall drives)

• Distance: 440 miles
• Recommended time: 7 days (or more!)
• Best time to see fall colors: The best time to see the fall colors is mid-September through early October. After that, you risk having part of the route be covered with snow!

The Cascade Loop starts and ends in the city of Everett , about 30 miles north of Seattle, Washington. Most folks drive the loop counter-clockwise, as some of the views, especially of the Cascade Mountains, are a bit more spectacular if you head in that direction.

There’s so much to see along this scenic fall drive. From Everett, you’ll drive east to the quirky town of Leavenworth, nestled in the Cascade Mountains.

All of the buildings in its downtown are built in Bavarian-style—it looks like it should be in the Sound of Music! If you’re visiting towards the end of September or early October, you can also partake in the town’s Oktoberfest festivities.

From here, you’ll head north to another unique town, Winthrop. This small town, which originally was an 1800s gold rush town, has lots of Wild Western vibes, with antique wooden boardwalks and buildings with Western facades. Don’t miss the nearby Methow Valley Cidery, for some hard cider out of locally grown apples. 

You’ll continue west along the North Cascades Highway , where the scenery and the foliage will get even more stunning. The slopes of the dramatic mountains will be covered with shrubs and wildflowers, aflame in autumnal colors, like gold, scarlet, and burnt orange.

If you’re looking to really take in the best fall foliage of Washington, hit up some of the trails in the seriously underrated North Cascades National Park, like the  Cutthroat Pass Trail . Here, you’ll walk through countless groves of larches, a special kind of coniferous tree whose needles turn a brilliant shade of gold before falling off every winter. 

Your trip will end by looping down along the coastline of Salish Sea. As you make your way along the coastline, keep your eyes peeled— October is usually the last month of the year that’s great for spotting orcas here!

Recommended by Jessica of Uprooted Traveler

4. Kebler Pass, Colorado

• Distance: 30 miles (one way)
• Recommended time: 2 hours
• Best time to see fall colors: Late September-Early October 

If you’re looking for a quintessential Colorado fall colors road trip, then make your way to Highway 133 outside of Carbondale and head west to Kebler Pass.

The drive over Kebler Pass is 30 miles long and ends in the picturesque mountain town of Crested Butte. While it’s a dirt road, it is well maintained and accessible by all vehicles during the fall , including low-clearance passenger cars.

Kebler Pass is often touted as the best scenic drive to see fall colors in Colorado because it winds its way through the largest aspen grove in the state.

When fall colors are at their peak, typically between late September and early October , you’ll find yourself immersed in a golden wonderland of aspens with scenic views of the West Elk mountains to make the experience even more enchanting.

To experience the fall colors along Kebler Pass up close, park at Horse Ranch Park and hike the Dark Canyon, Irwin, and Dyke Trail loop. The trail is 6 miles long with 1,500 ft. of elevation gain, so come prepared to get your heart pumping.

Your efforts will be well rewarded with sweeping views of the aspens and Marcellina Mountain. Please remember to practice Leave No Trace and pack out all trash on the trail! After your drive stop at the Secret Stash for the best pizza in Crested Butte.

Recommended by Kate of Kate Outdoors

5. New York City to Catskills

• Distance: 125 Miles
• Recommended time: Long Weekend
• Best time to see fall colors: Mid to Late October

Fall is one of the best times to visit New York. As the leaves start to change and the weather cools, there is so much to see and do. 

A fall road trip from NYC to the Catskills is a perfect way to see so much of this incredible state in the fall. Experience stunning views of the changing leaves and picturesque small towns along the way.

Starting from New York City , head north on I-87, also known as the Adirondack Northway. The first stop is Sleepy Hollow, known for its spooky reputation and stunning fall foliage.

Explore the village’s historic landmarks and charming streets before continuing on to Tarrytown, where you can hike at Rockwood State Park for views of the Hudson River. If you are up for something festive, check out the Great Pumpkin Blaze.

As you continue to make your way north check out some of the towns along the way.  Bear Mountain State Park has tons of great hiking . You will find some incredible views of fall foliage and unique hikes where you can also see the New York City Skyline amongst the breathtaking scenery. 

Next head to Woodstock, famous for its art scene and bohemian culture. Enjoy the unique shops and cafes, and take a stroll through Overlook Mountain Trail, which offers panoramic views of the vibrant autumn foliage.

The final destination is the Catskills region, known for its picturesque landscapes, charming towns, and outdoor recreation. Take a scenic drive along Route 28, stopping in the town of Phoenicia for a bite to eat at the Phoenicia diner and a visit to the local art galleries. 

While here enjoy plenty of hiking or head to Hunter Mountain where they offer tons of activities to enjoy.

The fall foliage road trip from New York City to the Catskills is a perfect way to soak in the beauty of autumn while exploring charming towns and taking in breathtaking views.

Recommended by Julie of Family Trips and Travels

6. Minneapolis to Chicago (a fun city to city fall road trips)

• Distance: 459 miles
• Recommended time: 2-5 days
• Best time to see fall colors: late September through mid October

One of the best fall drives in the USA to see vivid colors while finding some adventure is a fun road trip from Minneapolis to Chicago. You’ll drive through the upper Midwest, including Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois, which are all beautiful this time of year.

If you can, spend a day in Minneapolis seeing nature and soaking in the sights and activities in town. Visit Minnehaha Falls and the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, two of the best free things to do in the city. If you’re up for some shopping, of course you’ll find the Mall of America to have what you need!

From there, you’ll head northeast to Interstate State Park. Straddling the St. Croix River and the Minneapolis-Wisconsin state line, this park is absolutely stunning the fall. Grab your hiking shoes and hike the River Bluff Trail, one of the best places to see fall foliage!

Heading further into Wisconsin, visit the charming town of Eau Claire, where you can explore the largest Sculpture Tour in the nation. Next up is Wisconsin Dells, which is ‘The Waterpark Capital of the World’ and a great spot for an overnight stay if you’re traveling with kids.

The end of this scenic fall drive is in the great city of Chicago, which is home to amazing fall foliage in October. Be sure to visit the Bean, Millennium Park and the Navy Pier if it’s your first time to the city. You’ll also find beautiful fall colors along the River Walk in downtown Chicago.

One of the best driving route for fall foliage in the Midwest, this road trip from Minneapolis to Chicago is a fun adventure. You can spend a long weekend doing this fall road trip, or extend it into a week visiting the cities and small towns in between.

Recommended by me – Nikki of Inspired Routes

Epic fall drives continued…

There are so many scenic fall drives in the United States that we could never fit them all on one list. But, we will do our best! Here are more of the best driving routes for fall foliage!

7. Alpine Loop Scenic Byway, Utah (a great fall foliage road trip if you’re short on time)

• Distance: ~20 miles
• Best time to see fall colors: super late September to early October

Craving a scenic drive where you can witness an explosion of color? Check out the famous Alpine Loop Scenic Byway in Northern Utah .

The Alpine Loop is about a 20 mile stretch of highway that connects American Fork Canyon and Provo Canyon in Utah County, and is a favorite fall drive destination amongst locals and visitors alike.

This is probably THE most popular scenic fall drive to experience the rainbow blanket of colors that wraps up the Wasatch mountain range, with the best direction to drive starting from the mouth of American Fork Canyon.

The drive is free if you plan to stay in your car and enjoy the views. However, if you want to walk amongst the brilliant shades of golden quaking aspens or get lost in the red and orange hues of the maples and pines, you can pay $6 at the ranger station for a 3-day pass.

There are several hikes you can explore in the area including the Timpanogos Cave and Cascade Springs, or stroll around Robert Redford’s Sundance Resort.

Whatever your plan of attack might be, you are guaranteed to have a splendid view of the mountains decked out in their fall colors. Easy switchbacks, numerous pull-outs, and frequent wildlife sightings will make sure your drive is nothing less than spectacular. Don’t forget to bring your camera!

And if you love Utah, check out the stunning scenic byways along the route of this Utah national parks road trip !

Recommended by Rachelle of Adventure is Never Far Away

8. Going-to-the-Sun Road, Glacier National Park

• Distance: 49.71 miles
• Recommended time: 4-5 hours
• The Best time to see fall colors: Mid-September

Looking for one of the best fall road trips in the USA? If so then you can’t beat the drive along the Going-to-the-Sun Road through Glacier National Park. 

See, this incredibly scenic route starts in West Glacier Village, right near the western entrance tp Glacier National Park. This route then climbs along the Continental Divide and finishes in St. Mary, Montana.

Fondly referred to as “Crown of the Continent”, if you visit this road at the right time you’ll be able to see the leaves on local Aspens turn a golden yellow hue. 

Just be aware that because this road reaches an elevation of 6,646 feet at Logan Pass, this route is only open from late June through October and a timed entry permit is required between 6:00am and 3:00pm during the summer months. The Going-to-the-Sun Road is closed during winter in Glacier National Park . 

You’ll also want to drive from west to east since many of the most idyliic overlooks sit on the southern end of the road, near the valley.

So, once you start the drive be sure to stop at the Apgar Visitor Center so to take in impressive views of Lake McDonald from Lake McDonald Beach. 

Next, pass by Lake McDonald before hitting McDonald Falls and getting out to enjoy the viewing platform here. 

You’ll then see Sacred Dancing Cascades and can do both the Trail of the Cedars and Avalanche Lake Trail, two of the best easy trails in Glacier National Park before passing Bird Woman Falls and then Haystack Falls. 

Continue to Oberlin Bend Overlook so that you can admire Mount Oberlin in the distance before stopping at Jackson Glacier Overlook. J ust be sure to bring some binoculars since the glacier is quite far away. 

Once you’ve finished your journey, spend the night at iconic local hotels like the Apgar Village Lodge, the Lake McDonald Lodge, or the Apgar Village Inn.

This route is so incredible, it easily fits on the list of the best road trips USA , too!

Recommended by Jamie of Photo Jeepers

9. Blue Ridge Parkway (one of the most popular fall drives in the US)

• Distance: 489 miles
• Recommended Time: 4-7 days
• Best Time to See Fall Colors: Early October

One of the best road trips in October to take if you want to see incredible fall colors in the USA is the Blue Ridge Parkway . This amazing road trip starts in Northern Virginia, near Charlottesville, and extends down to North Carolina , right by Asheville.

So, begin your journey in Northern Virginia and make a stop at milepost 6 so that you can check out the views and trails all around the Humpback Gap. In fact, you can even complete a section of the Appalachian Trail before continuing to Natural Bridge State Park. 

Be sure to stop for a hike and check out the natural stone arch before passing through Roanoke and finally spending the night in Floyd, Virginia.

Next, wake up and see the historic Mabry Mill at milepost 176. I t’s a historic water mill from the 1900s that is definitely worth a look.  However, don’t leave without ordering some delicious blueberry pancakes before continuing to Galax. 

Next, visit the Blueridge Music Center and enjoy a cultural performance before exploring the town of West Jefferson. 

You’ll want to spend the night in Boone before stopping at Moses Cone Manor . It’s located at Milepost 294.1 and is a historic home with sweeping panoramas of the area. 

Drive past Blowing Rock and continue to Linn Cove Viaduct at milepost 304.4. You’ll then visit Grandfather Mountain and take a break at Rough Ridge Overlook before hiking to Linville Falls at Milepost 316.4.

Finally, take some time to walk through the exposed rocks at Craggy Gardens before ending your trip in Asheville, North Carolina and spending the night at the Grand Bohemian Hotel.

Recommended by Victoria of Southern Trippers

And if you’re on the east coast, be sure to check out the Myrtle Beach in fall , a coastal gem and underrated fall destination!

10. Seattle to Olympic National Park

• Distance: 400 miles
• Recommended time: Driving time 7.5 hours. (2+ days recommended)
• Best time to see fall colors: Late September through Early November

A drive through Seattle’s western peninsula in the fall is an otherworldly travel experience. While it may not boast the classic charm and crisp colors of a New England fall drive, the Pacific Northwest offers fall travelers a different flavor of road trip experience.

Unique fall weather patterns on the Pacific coast of Washington create a moody grey fog that cloaks evergreen-covered hillsides in the iconic gradient of rolling grey-green hillsides. As fall turns to winter, an unusual variety of trees- called Golden Larches, turn fiery orange- appearing seemingly overnight on green hillsides like columns of fire.

Autumn travelers to the Olympic Rainforest also enjoy frequent elk sightings. There are few travel experiences more memorable to this travel blogger than hearing elk mating calls while on a foggy fall hike and then, emerging from the forest, and encountering an entire herd of elk grazing in a meadow.

Although many will start a road trip to Washington’s Pacific coast by driving around the Puget Sound through the city of Tacoma, I recommended the scenic route.

To avoid interstates and enjoy more country roads, take a  ferry from downtown Seattle  to Bainbridge Island, then Union Washington, Quanlault Rainforest, Ruby Beach , and then return with a drive through the tourist-friendly towns of Forks and Port Angeles before returning to Seattle by ferry.

Following the edges of the Olympic National Park, this fall drive offers many opportunities for excursions into remote parts of the park or shorter strolls down accessible trails with interpretive signage.

With a number of incredible spas and lodges tucked into the woods in this region, travelers can enjoy camping or luxury accommodations along the way. Kalaloch Lodge, Quinalt Lodge , and Alderbrook Resort and Spa are all excellent choices that balance comfortable accommodations with PNW wildness.

Recommended by Lynli of Wander Big

11. San Francisco to Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley (a wine-lovers dream fall road trip)

• Distance: 184 miles
• Recommended time: 4 days
• Best time to see fall colors : Mid October to early November is usually peak

For a fabulous foliage peeping road trip in California, consider Napa and Sonoma! The two premier wine regions in the state put on a wonderful show of color from early October until late November.

You’ll see not just native and planted trees ablaze with color in the little towns, the vineyards also dress up in hues of autumn, from yellow to orange, red, and burgundy.

Start your road trip in San Francisco and zip north to the town of Sonoma , where you can stroll then plaza and sample a fall menu at one of the restaurants before spending a couple of hours visiting vineyards in the area.

Then drive north to Healdsburg, stopping enroute at the Sonoma Botanical Garden to observe the fall color.

Healdsburg is renowned for its wineries. Tour vineyards along Dry Creek Road, and dine at some of the famous eateries in town . Make reservations well ahead of your visit, especially if you want to dine at one of the top fine dining places in town.

Stay at the Hotel Healdsburg in the heart of downtown Healdsburg.

The next morning cut across to Calistoga, at the north end of Napa Valley, and work your way down along the Silverado Trail. Here, you will see vistas of vineyards draped in color.

T here are numerous wineries along the way you can visit. Have lunch in charming Saint Helena or upscale Yountville, where the main street puts on a dazzling fall show.

Spend the night in the city of Napa, where you can enjoy the art installations and stores in downtown Napa, which is also perfect for wine tasting and dinner.

The next morning, take a hot air balloon ride to see the fall color from above before enjoying a leisurely brunch . Ballooning over the vineyards is one of the most thrilling  things to do in Napa Valley ! Afterwards, make your way back to San Francisco, or catch up on the route with this San Francisco to San Diego road trip .

Recommended by Dhara of Roadtripping California

12. Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon (one of the most underrated fall drives on this list)

• Distance: 280 miles
• Recommended time: One week
• Best time to see fall colors : Mid October-Mid November

A fall road trip from Las Vegas to the  Grand Canyon  South Rim is one of the best ways to experience the changing seasons. The bright white bark on the aspens in Kaibab National Forest is a stunning contrast to the red, yellow, and orange leaves on their branches.

The journey offers awe-inspiring scenic roads, amazing geological formations, and historical landmarks. To make the most of this scenic route, plan to drive through Kaibab National Forest in October. This is the best time to capture the breathtaking fall scenery and stop for scenic lookouts.

Other highlights of this road trip include passing through Joshua Tree Forest, admiring Hoover Dam from afar, driving down old Route 66, and visiting Hualapai Native American Tribe . While these aren’t necessarily fall color stops, they are still unique options to round out a fun one-week road trip from Las Vegas!

See also: best day trips from Las Vegas

After all these stops, you’ll arrive at your destination: Grand Canyon South Rim. If you can, stay at one of the hotels inside Grand Canyon National Park for a truly unforgettable experience.

Whether you’re looking for an adventure or want to take in nature’s beauty during autumn, a road trip from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon South Rim is an incredible way to view fall colors!

Recommended by Brodi of Our Offbeat Life

13. Door County, Wisconsin (an amazing fall foliage road trip in the Midwest)

• Distance: 44 miles from Sturgeon Bay, WI, to the Curvy Highway
• Recommended time:  A two or three-day weekend
• Best time to see fall colors: Second week in October

Looking for a fantastic fall drive in an under-the-radar Midwest location? Consider beautiful Door County, Wisconsin. 

And specifically, the northernmost and highly photographed section of its main thoroughfare – Highway 42, known as the Curvy Highway.

If you are unfamiliar with this area, Door County is a beautiful 2,000-square-mile peninsula , surrounded by the waters of Green Bay to its west and Lake Michigan to its north and east. 

Find it on Wisconsin’s thumb, a 45-minute drive northeast of the city of Green Bay.

Regionally, upper Midwesterners love Door County as a vacation destination due to its 300 miles of coastline, which includes several impressive beaches, 5 state parks, 19 county parks, and an unending number of activities. 

Although lovely to visit in the summer,  Door County truly shines in the fall  when the colors turn, and its coastal views, dotted with picturesque lighthouses, are all the more stunning. 

Door County’s estimated peak week of color is usually the second week in October, though this changes annually. Fortunately, Travel Wisconsin updates an  annual fall color report  to help visitors pinpoint the perfect time for a visit. 

Once there, if you aim to see fall colors along the famed curvy stretch of road, start your drive in Sturgeon Bay. From here, head north on Highway 42 for nearly 44 miles, taking a break to stop at state parks or pretty coastal towns along your way.

You will come to these impossible-to-miss curves shortly before the road ends a half-mile later at the Washington Island Ferry. 

Door County is also a big stop on one of the best Midwest road trips , Milwaukee to Wisconsin Dells.

Recommended by Janice of Gather and Go Travel

14. Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, Colorado

• Distance: 55 miles
• Recommended time: 3 days (the drive will take between 2 and 3 hours)
• Best time to see fall colors: 3rd of 4th week of September

Known for being Colorado’s oldest scenic byway since it was established in 1916, the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway is easily one of the best fall road trips to see fall colors in the USA  After all, this incredible stretch of road extends from Estes Park to Black Hawk and takes you past some of the most awe-inspiring natural areas in the country. It’s one of the best scenic drives Colorado ! This route includes places like Arapaho/Roosevelt National Forest, the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, and Rocky Mountain National Park. And if you visit during September, then you’ll see Aspen Trees along the Continental Divide come alive with vibrant colors as you enjoy one of the best fall drives in Colorado. Now, you’ll start your journey just north of Estes Park. Because fall is elk mating season, you’ll want to spend a night or two in Estes Park to enjoy the Elk Fest , which is one of the best things to do in Estes Park . You’ll then start your drive and take CO-7 past the Twin Sisters and Lily Mountain. 

When you get to Allenspark, you can stop to visit both St. Catherine of Siena Chapel and Chapel on the Rock.

Afterward, hop on CO-72 and head to Nederland. Feel free to spend the night since you can grab coffee at New Moon Bakery in the morning before hiking to gorgeous alpine lakes like Lost Lake, King Lake, Woodland Lake and Diamond Lake. 

You’ll then continue on  CO-119 and e nd your journey in the town of Black Hawk where you can do a bit of gambling at popular casinos like Ameristar, Saratoga Casino Black Hawk, and more .

Recommended by Meg of Fox in the Forest

Best fall road trips New England

New England is famous for its breathtaking fall colors. Thousands upon thousands of tourists flock to these northeastern states to admire the views. Here are some of the best New England fall road trips! I mean…look at all these colors!

15. Northeast Kingdom, Vermont

• Distance: 110 mile loop
• Recommended time: 2 days
• Best time to see fall colors: Mid-September to early October

Vermont is famous for its autumn colors therefore a road trip through the  Northeast Kingdom  of the state is a breathtaking experience in the fall.

The Northeast Kingdom is a sparsely populated, heavily forested area of majestic mountains, quaint towns, and picturesque rivers and lakes in the extreme northeast corner of Vermont bordering Canada.

Start the road trip loop in Saint Johnsbury. It’s a charming New England town with cute shops, great restaurants and breweries, and nearby outdoor recreation.

Head toward the ski town of Burke and drive up the auto road to the summit of Burke Mountain for outstanding views of fall colors reaching all the way to Canada.

The next stop is at stunning Lake Willoughby, a glacial lake surrounded by mountains. Take the time to hike up Mt. Pisgah. The amazing views of foliage around the lake from ahigh is worth the 4-mile out and back hike.

Relax at one of the cabins at Pine Crest Motel and Cabins after a full day of exploring.

On the next morning, drive up to Newport located on the southern shore of glacial Lake Memphremagog. The fall colors reflected in the water can be seen from the lakefront restaurants.

Finish the loop back to Saint Johnsbury by exploring the back roads near spectacular Island Pond State Park. It will surely be one of the best driving routes for fall foliage in all of the United States.

Recommended by Karen of Outdoor Adventure Sampler

16. Boston to Acadia National Park (best driving route for fall foliage in New England!)

• Distance: 260 miles
• Recommended time: 4-7 days roundtrip
• Best time to see fall colors: Early October

One of the best fall trips to witness color-changing leaves along the New England coast is driving from Boston to Acadia National Park on Route 1. This route is filled with beautiful coastlines and vibrantly colored forests. 

Starting in Boston, one of the best family vacations with teens , and ending in Acadia, along the way are  many fanatics stops  to break up the drive and explore the northeast, including lighthouses, state parks, botanical gardens, swinging bridges, piers, and more.

If you’re looking for a place to take a break during your drive, consider Portland, Maine. It’s a fun are to explore the Maine covered bridges , not to mention it’s a paradise for food lovers and boasts some of the top breweries in New England. Don’t miss out on visiting Allagash Brewing, Eventide Oyster Co, The Holy Donut and Duckfat.

Once you’re back on Route 1, stop at Mount Battie for a fantastic view of the fall foliage as well as the cute town of Camden. You can hike 1.1 miles to the top or drive up and walk around.

With Acadia National Park being the final destination, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the rocky coastline and plenty of gorgeous foliage in early October. Hiking through the park’s trails or seeing the sunrise at Cadillac Mountain is a beautiful way to take in all of the colors!

Not only will you be seeing great foliage along the New England coast on this road trip, but you’ll also be eating and drinking very well along the way. This makes it one of the best fall road trips in the USA!

Recommended by Kelsea of Out of Office Mindset

17. Vermont’s Route 100

• Distance : 216 miles
• Recommended time: 4-5 Days
• Best time to see fall colors: Late September to Mid-October

As the crisp fall air arrives, plan an unforgettable autumn adventure along Vermont’s Route 100 , one of the most scenic fall drives in New England!

You’ll start in southern Vermont in Wilmington and end near the border of Canada, in Newport. Along the way, you can stay at cozy inns, savor local cuisine, and take side trips to see covered bridges, art galleries, and craft breweries that are scattered along the length of Route 100!

In Plymouth, Vermont, visit the President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site to explore the preserved village, Coolidge’s childhood home, and Plymouth Cheese . Plan a stay afterward at the Trailside Inn, in Killington, nestled in the heart of the Green Mountains.

Further north, stop by the Original General Store in Pittsfield for lunch and gift shopping. Also, catch a breath of fresh air in Granville at the gorgeous Moss Glen Falls! In Warren, spend the night at the Pitcher Inn before you drive through the Mad River Valley where numerous eateries and shops await you.

In Waterbury, don’t forget to visit Ben and Jerry’s for the factory tour and a visit to the scoop shop ! It’s also a good idea to grab a hot cider and cider donuts at Cold Hollow Cider Mill.

Your trip is not complete without experiencing  Stowe, Vermont in fall ! Spend the night at the Green Mountain Inn to enjoy the area.

Then, head down the Mountain Rd. in the morning for the Stowe Gondola Skyride. It provides stunning aerial views of the fall landscape, and likely some of the best of your trip!

To avoid crowds, consider planning this road trip on weekdays. Pack warm layers and rain gear for unpredictable weather as well as a hat and a pair of gloves.

Recommended by Heather of This Noshtaglic Life

18. Franconia Notch Parkway, New Hampshire (one of the best places to see fall foliage)

• Distance: 17 miles
• Recommended time: 2 – 4 hours depending on what you choose to stop and do.
• Best time to see fall colors: First 2 weeks of October

The Franconia Notch Parkway in northern New Hampshire is a favorite for locals and tourists alike! This route offers stunning mountains, rivers, and more.

As you embark on this road trip, be ready to stop and walk around at the many stops along the way. The parkway is well known for its vibrant fall foliage making it the perfect autumn road trip.

Be sure to stop at the Flume Gorge at the beginning of the route. This is a natural narrow gorge that is about a 2 mile hike to get to . You’ll be blown away by the towering granite walls, cascading waterfalls, and dense forest surroundings.

Another must-see leaf peeping spot is Artists Bluff. This is a fairly short hike that rewards you with panoramic views of Echo Lake and the surrounding mountains. 

If hiking in the woods isn’t really your thing, you could take the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway. The tram ride takes you to the summit of Cannon Mountain, offering jaw dropping views of the White Mountains. It is always a beautiful sight, but even more so in the fall.

The best time to take this road trip is during the fall season, typically from late September to mid-October. This period offers the most vibrant and colorful foliage, transforming the landscapes into a kaleidoscope of reds, oranges, and yellows.

A drive through the Franconia Notch Parkway in the fall will be an unforgettable experience. 

Recommended by Amanda of Life Has its Perks

More scenic fall road trips

We aren’t finished yet! Keep reading for more of the best fall road trips in the United States! So many options for beautiful fall foliage in this country.

19. Denver to Million Dollar Highway (one of the best road trips in October)

• Distance: about 560 Miles
• Recommended time: 3-5 days
• Best time to see fall colors: late September to early October

If you’re looking for one of the best fall road trips in the USA to see fall colors, Colorado’s Million Dollar Highway will surprise you.

The journey begins in Denver where you can pick up US Route 550 which then takes you southwest toward Grand Junction—a distance of nearly 560 miles. Along your route, you’ll pass through Rocky Mountain National Park with stops at Kebler Pass and San Juan Skyway —both offering amazing panoramic vistas during fall. The perfect place for a picnic lunch!

Note: be sure to grab a timed entry permit from the National Park Service when planning this epic fall road trip!

As you continue your drive down US 550 make sure to stop off at Golden Gate Canyon State Park where even more incredible landscape awaits including sweeping meadows blanketed by colorful foliage.

Take a break from the road and hop aboard the Georgetown Loop Railroad for an unforgettable journey back in time. This historic railway is one of Colorado’s most popular attractions with its steep climbs and twists offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountainscape.

Be sure to make stops at Ohio Creek Road and Guanella Pass. These two areas are home to some of Colorado’s most beautiful fall colors, with vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows as far as the eyes can see!

Here’s how you can make the most out of this beautiful Colorado fall colors road trip:

• Time your trip right. Colorado fall colors typically peak in late September to early October, but it can vary from year to year. Be sure to plan accordingly and check the forecast before you embark on this colorful adventure!
• Don’t forget your camera. The vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows of autumn will make for some amazing photo ops, so be sure to bring your camera so you can capture all the beauty of Colorado’s fall colors.
• Pack a picnic lunch. There are plenty of great spots along the way to stop for a picnic lunch and enjoy the view!
• Keep an eye out for wildlife. As you make your way through this scenic route, you might be lucky enough to spot some elk, deer, bighorn sheep, or even a black bear!
• Be prepared for all weather. Make sure to bring all the necessary items like warm clothes and rain gear just in case of any unpredictable weather.

Recommended by Sara of Mindful Travel

20. Minnesota North Shore (amongst the best fall foliage in US)

• Distance: about 150 Miles
• Recommended time: 3-5 days (depending on number of stops, hiking, exploring)
• Best time to see fall colors: Mid-September to early October (varies due to weather conditions)

One of the best fall drives to take this year is the scenic North Shore in Minnesota . For nearly 150 miles, Highway 61 guides you from Duluth, Minn. to the Canadian border.

And much of that is right alongside Lake Superior – the largest freshwater lake in the world. Minnesota is known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes. But it’s also home to 17.6 million acres of forest. That makes for a very scenic fall foliage drive.

Start your North Shore road trip this fall in Duluth, MN. The Gateway to the North Shore is located about 2.5 hours north of the Minneapolis – St. Paul International Airport.

Some of the best fall foliage photo-op stops include Gooseberry Falls, Split Rock Lighthouse, Palisade Head and Lutsen Mountains. Take the Summit Express Gondola up Moose Mountain 1,000 feet for a sea of orange, green pines, and panoramic views of Lake Superior.

Your fall road trip in Minnesota ends at Grand Portage State Park. This unique stop features Minnesota’s tallest waterfall and fall foliage views of three nations. They include the U.S., Canada and the Grand Portage Nation.

When is peak fall foliage in Minnesota? Depends on weather conditions, but typically mid-September to early October.

How long does the North Shore fall foliage road trip take? Depends on the number of photo-op stops you take along the way.

You could technically drive the North Shore in Minnesota in one day. But for the best fall road trip experience, allow at least three to five days to see the  best stops on Minnesota’s North Shore  this fall – or any season!

Recommended by Karen of kmfiswriting

21. Richard B Russell Scenic Highway, Georgia

• Distance: 23 miles
• Recommended time : 2+ hours
• Best time to see fall colors: end of October 

The Richard B Russell Highway through the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia is a short but gorgeous drive through rolling mountains.

Here, you’ll wind higher up through the mountain pass, with numerous pullouts for scenic viewpoints, where you can see ridge after ridge after ridge going far out in the distance.

The best viewpoint is the Hog Pen Gap Overlook, and is also an excellent place to watch the sunset.

Besides the overlooks, there are many hikes that start off the Richard B Russell Scenic Highway. A few great options are Dukes Creek Falls and Raven Creek Falls, and the Tesnatee Gap Trail to Cowrock Mountain . This trail is actually one section of the Appalachian Trail, which crosses the scenic highway. 

The starting point for the highway is just west of Helen, a tiny, cute town that’s designed to look like a German village. Be sure to take an afternoon to explore Helen before hitting the road!

The highway is technically a point-to-point drive, ending at Highway 180, but you can turn east on Highway 180, and then turn south on Highway 75/Unicoi Turnpike to turn this into a scenic loop drive. 

Driving the Richard B Russell Scenic Highway can be as short as a couple of hours if you just stop at a few of the viewpoints. Alternatively, it could take most of the day if you decide to do some of the hikes. Either way, this drive is one of the best things to do in north Georgia in the fall. 

Recommended by Stephanie of the Unknown Enthusiast

22. Twin Falls to Grand Teton National Park (an underrated route on this list of best fall road trips)

• Distance: 255 miles
• Recommended time: 1-3 days
• Best time to see fall colors: mid September to early October

This is one of the most underrated fall drives in the USA, and definitely one worth planning! The route from Twin Falls, Idaho to Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming is beautiful!

Starting in the town of Twin Falls, you’ll want to visit Shoshone Falls Park .This beautiful waterfall dumps into the Snake River and creates such a scenic spot to explore. Furthermore, there are quite a bit of activities to do on the river like going into the Snake River Canyon, one of the top things to do in Twin Falls .

Heading east, you’ll get to Idaho Falls. Stretch your legs from your road trip and walk the Idaho Falls River Walk & Snake River Greenbelt, where you’ll see beautiful fall colors along the river. Grab lunch on your way out of town, or if you’re exploring Twin Falls and Idaho Falls, stay in downtown Idaho Falls before continuing east the next day.

Perhaps the most scenic part of this adventure, and the best driving route for fall foliage is between Idaho Falls, Idaho and Jackson, Wyoming. You’ll drive through the Caribou-Targhee National Forest then the Bridger-Teton National Forest, and it’s stunning!

The fall is one of the best times to visit Grand Teton National Park. The weather is cooler and crowds have dwindled. Yet the wildlife is abundant, especially during dusk and dawn.

There are a few must-sees in Grand Teton , including the Snake River Overlook, hiking Inspiration Point and seeing the Moulton Barns on Mormon Row.

This road rip is best done the 3rd week in September through the first week in October to see peak fall foliage , although it will vary a bit based on the weather each year. Driving straight through is just over 4 hours, but you’ll at least want to spend some time in Twin Falls, Grand Teton, Jackson Hole and more!

23. Red River Gorge Scenic Byway, Kentucky (an underrated fall foliage road trip)

• Distance: 46 miles
• Recommended time: 4 hours
• Best time to see fall colors: Late October

The Red River Gorge Scenic Byway is a breathtaking fall road trip that winds through the heart of the bluegrass states. Weaving through the Daniel Boone National Forest, this picturesque route is filled with incredible autumn colors and awe-inspiring landscapes perfect for nature lovers and leaf peepers.

Beginning in Slade, the gateway to the Red River Gorge Geological Area, the scenic byway covers approximately 46 miles . It showcases the area’s stunning natural beauty alongside plenty of exploration opportunities.

As you drive down the scenic byway, you’ll be greeted by bursts of vibrant reds, oranges, and golds. The best time to embark on this adventure is typically mid to late October when the fall foliage is at its peak. It’s one of the best possible road trips in October!

The Red River Gorge Scenic Byway has a number of areas you’ll want to explore. First is the Natural Bridge State Park, which features an iconic Natural Bridge . The bridge is an impressive sandstone arch that stands majestically in the midst of the forest.

Take a hike along the forest’s vibrant autumn trails to appreciate the stunning views and natural wonders.

For more outdoor adventure, the Red River Gorge Geological Area is filled with rock climbing and hiking along with camping and zip-lining.

Make the most of your road trip with an overnight stay in one of the charming towns nearby like Stanton or Beattyville. These quaint communities offer a range of quaint accommodations from cozy bed and breakfasts to lovely rustic cabins. While you’re in the area, head to one of the best wineries in Kentucky like Lover’s Leap or Equus Run to enjoy the fall harvest and beautiful vineyard views.  Or nearby, check out the beautiful lookouts, museums and walking trails for the top things to do in Wytheville VA .

When planning your trip, remember to pack essentials like comfortable hiking shoes and check weather conditions and road closures before starting your journey.

Recommended by Sydney of Sydney to Anywhere

24. Flagstaff to Oak Creek Canyon, Arizona

• Distance: Flagstaff to Oak Creek Canyon – 30 miles
• Best time to see fall colors : Mid-to-late November

Flagstaff is a popular place to visit in Northern Arizona and a getaway to the Grand Canyon National Park.  It’s also one of the best fall foliage road trips in the southwest!

Flagstaff typically begins seeing its first yellow leaves in the middle of September . However, the exact timing could differ depending on location and altitude.

Since Arizona has limited opportunities for leaf-peeping, you will have to be strategic about the timing of your trip. People from all over the state come to the area to see the changing foliage. 

Some of the most popular spots for seeing the fall foliage in Arizona are Locket Meadow which boasts a nice Aspen grove at the Inner Basin of the San Francisco Peaks and Aspen Corner which can be accessed via Arizona Trail Passage 34.

Check out Highway 89A on the way from Flagstaff to Sedona. It’s one of the most beautiful drives in the Southwest for fall foliage. The drive will take you through Oak Creek Canyon where you can see spectacular fall colors on full display.

On 89A be sure to check out Jerome Arizona , the ghost town with so much to offer. A fun spin to this scenic fall road trip!

Finally, don’t miss the Arizona Snowball, a popular ski resort in Northern Arizona where you can enjoy the panoramic views of the foliage around the San Francisco peaks from the gondola. 

To see the fall colors in Flagstaff, plan your outings for early morning or late afternoon, to avoid mid-day crowds and choose weekdays instead of weekends.

Depending on the season and the weather, you might still be able to see some fall colors in Oak Creek Canyon located on the way to Sedona.

Recommended by Daria of The Discovery Nut

25. Sacramento to Los Angeles (one of the best scenic fall drives)

• Distance: 385 miles
• Best time to see fall colors: November

There plenty of places to see and discover when driving from Sacramento to Los Angeles. Although not the most popular place to see the fall foliage, it surprisingly makes for an excellent fall drive!

Sacramento alone is one of the most beautiful places in California . It’s spread with trees and green meadows as far as the eye can see . Therefore, you will be surrounded by lush greenery where you can witness the fall colors along the way.

Once you leave Sacramento, you will pass through Santa Barbara, San Francisco, Santa Monica and many major cities in California. This entire fall drive is about is 385 miles, but I recommend spending a least a 3 days along the route!

After hitting the road, stop in San Francisco to take a picture at the famous Golden Bridge. Then, make a stop in Malibu to visit the famous Malibu Lagoon State Beach and dip your feet at the sandy tranquilizing water.

The next stop is Santa Clarita where you would visit Six Flags Magic Mountain theme park. It’s a thrill-seekers paradise as it’s jam-packed with roller coasters and other amazing rides.

The best place to see fall colors in California is Santa Barbara . Therefore, you should stop by at one of its national or state parks. I highly recommend stopping at Channel Islands National Park for some of the most amazing views.

Finally, end your California fall road trip with a stop at the Santa Monica Pier, and if you have the time, you should pay the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium a visit. No matter how you choose to spend your time, you will be met with so many amazing adventures!

Recommended by Ossama of Awesome Traveler

26. East Texas road trip (an underrated route on this list of best fall drives in the US)

• Distance: 250 miles
• Recommended time: 1 – 5 days

For adventurous souls who like a bang for their driving buck, it’s time to take an East Texas road trip. A couple of hours outside of Houston lies Big Thicket National Preserve which offers plenty of quiet moments with lovely sights. 

Head east from Houston towards Beaumont (great birding opportunities) and then veer north towards Big Thicket National Preserve. Out here, it’s empty, so bring what you want to eat, or you’ll have to rely on a couple of small shops along the way. 

After spending a couple of days hiking, paddling, or kayaking in Big Thicket National Preserve and Village Creek State Park, head west to Huntsville State Park.  Here, you can keep hiking, fishing, camping, or mountain biking. Only 75 minutes north of Houston, it’s a local favorite outdoor destination!

I recommend visiting fall through spring when the humidity is low, and the summer heat won’t suck your life out! November is the best time to see the fall colors in Eastern Texas. Keep in mind it can still get sweaty on the trails, so  wear the appropriate hiking clothes  to ensure your fall road trip goes off without a hitch!

Best fall drives in the US

Yay for planning your fall foliage road trip! Where to first?! We’ve covered all corners of the USA and many spots in between. One thing is for sure: there’s no shortage of options when it comes to beautiful fall drives!

I hate to wish away the summer heat, but I can hardly contain my excitement for the brisk fall months to arrive. For now, I’ll be wishful dreaming while reading this list of the best fall drives in the United States.

Here’s a quick recap of the best fall road trips in the United States….

Best fall road trips

• Eastern Sierra fall road trip, California
• Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park
• The Cascade Loop, Washington
• Kebler Pass, Colorado
• New York City to Catskills
• Minneapolis to Chicago
• Alpine Loop Scenic Byway, Utah
• Going-to-the-Sun Road, Glacier National Park
• Blue Ridge Parkway
• Seattle to Olympic National Park
• San Francisco to Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley
• Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon
• Door County, Wisconsin
• Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, Colorado
• Northeast Kingdom, Vermont
• Boston to Acadia National Park
• Vermont’s Route 100
• Franconia Notch Parkway, New Hampshire
• Denver to Million Dollar Highway
• Minnesota North Shore
• Richard B Russell Scenic Highway, Georgia
• Twin Falls to Grand Teton National Park
• Red River Gorge Scenic Byway, Kentucky
• Flagstaff to Oak Creek Canyon, Arizona
• Sacramento to Los Angeles
• East Texas road trip

Related content you might like: 29 Amazing Road Trips USA: Scenic (& Underrated) Routes You’ll Love 30 Gorgeous West Coast Road Trip Routes You Gotta See to Believe 26 Best National Parks to Visit in October (Amazing Spots You Need to See) 32 Best Places to Visit in September in USA (Unique and Cool Ideas You’ll Love)

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Saturday 26th of August 2023

Are there any limitations on the number of cars driving on the Going-to-the-Sun Road, Glacier National Park? Any permits or anything like that needed or is this accessible to anyone?

Monday 28th of August 2023

Yes, oh goodness thanks so much for asking. I had included the reservation link in my other Glacier National Park content but forgot to include on this guide. I've added the link to that section. For most of the summer (varies each year), you'll need a timed entry permit to enter the park and access that road from 6:00am - 3:00pm. So you can technically enter before or after to enjoy the park without getting a reservation. But to take advantage of your time in the park, it's best to get a reservation if you can.

Saturday 29th of July 2023

Glad to see a shoutout to Flagstaff! I absolutely love the fall there. Great list!

Tuesday 1st of August 2023

Oh yay! It's such a beautiful area 🍂

Fall (or autumn as we call it) is such a beautiful time of year! The colours are amazing. Some great suggestions there that look appealing.

So glad you loved them, Alma! Hope you get to take a fantastic autumn adventure sometime :)

Some great road trips here in the most colorful season. Adding a few to my list!

Awesome, Sharyn! Glad this could be a source of inspiration for you ❤️

Friday 28th of July 2023

These are some stunning road trips that allow you to immerse yourself in the wonders of nature. Thank you for the recommendations!

Of course! Hope you can take one (or more) someday!

Are you ready for a Road Trip? Explore these eleven incredible cross-country road trip routes across the U.S.!

Pacific Coast

Border to Border

The Road to Nowhere

The Great River Road

Appalachian Trail

Atlantic Coast

The Great Northern

The Oregon Trail

The Loneliest Road

Southern Pacific

Classic American Road Trips

Pacific Coast Highway

Starting at the northwest tip of the United States at Washington’s Olympic National Park and remaining within sight of the ocean all the way south to sunny San Diego, this 1,650-mile, mostly two-lane road trip takes in everything from temperate rainforest to near-desert.

Highlights along the Pacific Coast Route: Olympic National Park (WA), Three Capes Loop (OR), Redwood National Park (CA)

Historic Route 66

The romance of traveling along historic Route 66 from where it starts in Chicago and ends in Los Angeles continues to captivate people around the world. If you’re looking for great displays of neon signs, rusty middle-of-nowhere truck stops, or kitschy Americana, do as the song says and “get your kicks on Route 66.”

Highlights along Route 66: Chicago (IL), Meramec Caverns (MO), Tucumcari (NM), Painted Desert (AZ), Santa Monica (CA)

• Barnes & Noble
• Books-A-Million
• Indigo (Canada)
• Powell's Books
• Apple Books

Running coast-to-coast from San Francisco to Ocean City, Maryland, “The Loneliest Road in America” is a 3,200-mile odyssey from sea to shining sea. US-50 passes through a dozen different states, four state capitals, and the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C.

Highlights along the Loneliest Road: South Lake Tahoe (CA), Moab (UT), The Million Dollar Highway (CO), Washington D.C.

Following in the footsteps of pilgrims and pioneers, US‑20 takes in a little of everything during its two-lane trek from Oregon’s rugged coast to the glorious sea and sand of Cape Cod.

Highlights along the Oregon Trail: Cannon Beach (OR), Fort Boise (ID), Yellowstone National Park (WY), Mt Rushmore & Carhenge (NE)

Dubbed the Great Northern in memory of the pioneer railroad that parallels the western half of the route, US‑2 is truly the most stunning and unforgettable, not to mention longest, of all the great transcontinental road trips.

Highlights along the Great Northern: Tumwater Canyon (WA), Glacier National Park (MT), Lake Michigan (MI), Acadia National Park (ME)

The Appalachian Trail

This driving route of the Appalachian Trail parallels the epic hike. From the top of New England to the heart of Dixie, it takes you through continuous natural beauty—without the sweat, bugs, or blisters.

Highlights along the Appalachian Trail: Mt. Washington (NH), The Poconos (PA), Shenandoah National Park (VA), Great Smoky Mountains National Park (NC)

Old Man River, Father of Waters, “body of a nation,” Big Muddy: By any name, the mighty Mississippi River cuts a mythic figure across the American landscape. Tag along from its headwaters in Minnesota to where it meets the sea in Louisiana via the GRR.

Highlights along the Great River Road: Main Street USA (WI), St. Louis (MO), Natchez Trace Parkway (MS), New Orleans (LA)

Starting at the Statue of Liberty and ending with a drive across the Overseas Highway to free-wheeling Key West, these almost 2,000 miles of roadway run within earshot—if not sight—of the Atlantic Ocean.

Highlights along the Atlantic Coast: The Statue of Liberty (NJ), Assateague Island National Seashore (MD), Savannah (GA), Cocoa Beach (FL)

Starting at Canada’s Jasper National Park, and winding down in the Sonora Desert, this route traverses some of the wildest and most rugged lands imaginable: mighty mountains, glaciated valleys, raging rivers, and two very different deserts.

Highlights along the Border to Border Route: Columbia Icefield (AB), Bitterroot Mountains (MT), The Extraterrestrial Highway (NV), Joshua Forest Parkway (AZ)

Once the only entirely paved route from Canada to “Old Mexico,” US‑83 cuts across America’s heartland and remains a must-do long-distance byway—transnavigating this broad, odd nation without once grazing a conventional tourist destination.

Highlights along the Road to Nowhere: Sitting Bull Memorial (SD), Nebraska Sand Hills (NE), Monument Rocks (KS), Paint Rock Pictographs (TX)

Following old US-80 and its contemporary equivalents takes you through more varied cultural and physical landscapes than you’ll find along any other cross-country route. From deserts to bayou swamps and Tex-Mex to barbecue, this route offers a full-flavored taste of America.

Highlights along Southern Pacific: The Desert View Tower (CA), Tombstone (AZ), Roswell (NM), Civil Rights Movement National Historic Trail (AL)

33 Beautiful Road Trips in the USA: Best Scenic Drives 2023

Discover the most beautiful road trips in the USA. From coastal drives to mountain passes, our guide will take you on an unforgettable journey.

At nearly 3.8 million square miles with about four million miles of paved roads, the United States is a road tripper’s fantasy land.

I’ve driven several thousand of those millions of miles and barely scratched the surface of this country’s scenic drives. From coast to coast, from mountain to desert, from plains to forests, road trips are the arteries that connect this incredibly diverse landscape.

I’ve collaborated with other road trip enthusiasts to bring you the most beautiful road trips in the USA.

Whether you want to explore our National Parks, take an epic cross-country adventure, or experience a shorter scenic drive, we’ve got the perfect road trip for you.

I’ve provided the contributions and photos unless otherwise indicated.

Before you go, download these free road trip packing lists. From paper maps to snacks, from batteries to blankets, these checklists will keep you from running around wondering what you forgot – because you won’t forget anything.

FREE Road Trip Packing Lists

There may be affiliate links in this post, which means we may get a small commission. It’s at no extra cost to you and helps keep TLT free. Everybody wins!

33 Most Beautiful Road Trips in the USA

Be sure to get your printable road trip planner to keep everything organized!

West Coast Beautiful Road Trips in the USA

Pacific coast road trip from san diego to seattle.

• Start: San Diego
• End: Seattle
• Number of miles: 1585 miles
• Recommended length of road trip: 7-14 days

One of the most beautiful road trips in the USA is a drive up the Pacific Coast. It’s a bucket list experience, one filled with curving roads and basalt shores, with the might of the Pacific Ocean accompanying you the entire way.

You can begin in either San Diego or Seattle. I began my Pacific Coast road trip in San Diego, but if you choose to drive north to south, it’s easier to pull off at the overlooks (although I had no issues with it at all).

The drive includes such legendary spots as Big Sur, that rugged coastline between Carmel and San Simeon. That’s part of the officially designated Pacific Coast Highway, a twisting, breathtaking stretch that’s only 123 miles of California State Route 1.

You’ll drive through San Francisco and over the Golden Gate Bridge. You’ll pass lighthouses that have been guiding sailors for more than a century. You’ll see giant redwoods and lollygagging elephant seals.

Oregon alone is worth taking several days to explore. With iconic sights like Heceta Head Lighthouse and Haystack Rock, you’ll definitely want to allow plenty of time.

The beauty continues in Washington. As soon as you cross the Columbia River, you’re greeted with stories of Lewis and Clark; it’s worth a visit to Cape Disappointment to learn more.

As you drive north to Seattle, stop to see the World’s Record Sitka Spruce, Big Cedar, and the World’s Largest Red Cedar.

In Olympic National Forest, take a quick detour to hike in a rain forest, then before you end your trip, explore Olympic National Park.

Because this is a trip that will take you multiple days, it’s best to use a tool like Booking.com or VRBO to find accommodations along your route.

If you’re taking an epic road trip, make sure to check out these road trip planning tools before you go.

Pacific Coast Scenic Byway

• Start: Brookings, Oregon
• End: Astoria, Oregon
• Number of miles: 363 miles 
• Recommended length of road trip : 3-4 days

Not to be confused with the Pacific Coast Highway, which is in California, the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway is an Oregon coast road trip .

The Oregon segment of US-101 is one of the most stunning stretches of coastline in the USA. It pretty much defines scenic route, with dunes, cliffs, picturesque towns, historic bridges, and iconic lighthouses.

The reason you’ll want to allow plenty of time for this road trip is because of the sheer number of scenic overlooks. With colorful names like Thor’s Well, Devil’s Churn, Seal Rocks, and Cape Foulweather, it’s an entertaining string of gorgeous views.

There are lots of scenic towns along the way where you can stop for a bite to eat and to rest. If you’re a New England clam chowder fan, don’t miss Mo’s in Newport. It’s the original location of what is now a popular chain.

A stop in Cannon Beach is a must so you can see one of the most recognizable landmarks along the coast, Haystack Rock.

If you want some Pacific coast beauty but don’t have time to drive the entire stretch, this Oregon scenic drive will definitely fill your bucket.

Olympic Peninsula Scenic Drive

• Start: Seattle, Washington
• End: Seatlle, Washington
• Number of miles: 360 miles 
• Recommended length of road trip : 4-5 days

When people dream about the natural beauties of Washington State, they often envision evergreen trees covered in moss, trails bordered by rich green ferns, and freshwater lakes and waterfalls.

The Olympic Peninsula offers the opportunity for visitors to see it all, including being home to one of the best National Parks in the USA,  Olympic National Park .

You can plan to leave out of Seattle, Washington; I recommend taking a Washington State ferry across to Bainbridge Island to begin your road trip.

Make your way up to Port Angeles, WA, along the north coast of the peninsula. From Port Angeles you can visit some highlights of Olympic National Park such as Hurricane Ridge, Sol Duc Falls, Lake Crescent, and Marymere Falls.

Then you’ll head west to Forks and visit the famous Hoh Rain Forest and some of the best sunset beaches in WA State.

Finally, make your way down the Pacific Ocean coast and consider a stop at Lake Quinault or Ocean Shores, Washington if you want a beach town experience.

You can then end your trip heading back east towards Olympia and make your way back north to Seattle.

Contributed by Kim Tate of Stuffed Suitcase

Alaska Road Trip to Denali and Seward: Two Perspectives

• Start: Anchorage
• End: Anchorage 
• Number of miles: 1000 miles 
• Recommended length of road trip : 7 days 

Alaska is a magical place with endless views, tons of wildlife and so many adventures. On a road trip between Denali and Seward, you will have no shortage of glacier, mountain and ocean views. 

Begin in Anchorage and drive to Denali on Route 3 with a stop in Talkeetna along the way.

In Denali, enjoy hiking, take a scenic bus ride and visit the dog sled kennels. As you travel back south, take a side trip out to Matanuska Glacier to trek out on one of Alaska’s most accessible glaciers.

From there, make your way to Seward on Alaska Route 1. In Seward, be sure to visit Kenai Fjords National Park and explore it via boat. 

This  Alaska road trip  involves a lot of driving. It is best to spend at least 7 days in accommodations along the way.

Denali Bluffs Hotel is a beautiful, convenient place to stay right outside of Denali National Park, while Hotel Seward is a good budget option located in the heart of downtown Seward. This trip is best for the summer months. 

Whether you enjoy hiking or just want to take in all of the views, an Alaskan road trip on Route 1 and 3 is a must for your bucket list.

Contributed by Lydia Weigel of Lost with Lydia

This  Alaska road-trip itinerary  takes you to some of the state’s top attractions. First, explore the famous Denali National Park wilderness for a chance to see grizzlies and wolves and, weather permitting, a lucky sighting of Mount Denali, North America’s highest mountain at 20,310 feet!

Spend a day in Anchorage, the central travel hub in Alaska, and visit the Anchorage Native Heritage Center to learn about the different Alaska Native traditions and languages.

Head to Seward and Kenai Fjords National Park to admire Alaskan glaciers by hiking along the Glacier Overlook Trail or kayaking one of the numerous fjords.

A trip to Whittier would see you board a whale-watching cruise in Prince William Sound.

Camping is the perfect way to explore Denali, though cabins around Healy and Cantwell are available everywhere for more comfort. Anchorage offers plenty of nice and clean accommodations like the Anchorage Downtown Hotel.

The best time to travel to Alaska is in the summer, though June and September can be good alternatives, even though you might still have snow.

Contributed by Patricia Pagenel of Ze Wandering Frogs

San Francisco to Joshua Tree Road Trip

• Start: San Francisco
• End: Joshua Tree National Park
• Number of miles: 580
• Recommended length of road trip: 4 days

You’ll love going on a San Francisco to Joshua Tree drive to enjoy the best of California outside the bustling city. Before going on a  Joshua Tree road trip , you’ll explore charming seaside towns along the way.

Begin your trip in Monterey, where you can appreciate the scenic beauty of the 17-Mile Drive, visit the renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, or take a stroll down Cannery Row.

Next, travel to Santa Barbara, another breathtaking oceanside city. There are plenty of activities here, such as surfing, sunbathing, or walking along the shoreline, in addition to dozens of restaurants to choose from.

While en route to Joshua Tree, take some time to unwind in Palm Springs, a luxurious desert resort city known for its hot springs, spas, and shopping. There are also plenty of museums when you need to escape the heat.

Finally, head to Joshua Tree National Park , where you can experience the unique Joshua trees and rock formations, hike through the breathtaking landscape, go on an adventurous rock climbing expedition, or gaze at the stars at night.

Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Indio Coachella Valley  is a great base for the night.

Contributed by Marissa of Road Trip Wanderers

Washington State Cascade Loop Scenic Drive

• Start: Seattle
• Number of miles: 440 miles
• Recommended length of road trip: Anywhere from 2 days to 5 days, depending on how many stops you want to make.

Washington state is known for its stunning natural beauty, and the  Cascade Loop  is the perfect way to take it all in. This 440-mile route takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the Pacific Northwest.

The Cascade Loop begins at Stevens Pass, located east of Seattle. From here, you’ll head north through mountain passes, dense forests, and rolling hills until you reach Leavenworth, an adorable Bavarian-style village nestled in the Cascades.

Next, up is Chelan and its wineries,  followed by the historic town of Winthrop with its Western-themed main street.

After that comes North Cascades National Park where you can explore rugged peaks and glacier-fed lakes before heading south on Highway 20 toward Burlington and Anacortes.

Finally, your journey ends when you reach Seattle once again.

Visiting North Cascades National Park is high on everyone’s list as it offers breathtaking views and plentiful outdoor activities like hiking and fishing.

However, if you don’t have time to explore this vast park then be sure to make a stop at Diablo Lake overlook for an unforgettable photo opportunity!

Another great spot to check out is Snoqualmie Falls which has an impressive 268-foot drop into a deep pool below – not to mention its stunning surroundings.

And lastly, no trip along this route would be complete without a visit to Leavenworth for some delicious German food and shopping in its charming alpine-style shops.

Related: Leavenworth is considered one of the best Christmas towns in the USA .

The best places to stay along this scenic trip are Leavenworth, Chelan, or Burlington.  You can also do this loop in reverse, or in bits and pieces!

Contributed by Chantelle, Flannels or FlipFlops

Beautiful Road Trips in the Western USA

Going-to-the-sun road in glacier national park.

• Start: West Glacier, Montana
• End: St. Mary, Montana
• Number of miles: 50 miles
• Recommended length of road trip: 1 day

When you drive Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park, you’re not only taking one of America’s most scenic drives, you’re also driving a National Historic Landmark.

It’s one of the few roads in the country to receive that designation and is an engineering marvel which took more than a decade and two million dollars to build.

The scenic drive is designed to blend into the scenery. The original plan had fifteen switchbacks, but Tom Vint proposed a route that would have only one.

That route is what we have today, and that one switchback is called the Loop.

Driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road offers some of the most awe-inspiring views in the country and is one of many unique things to do in Montana . It’s easy to see why more than three million people a year make their way to this remote part of the country.

An Idaho Road Trip: Thousand Springs State Park

• Start: Twin Falls, Idaho
• End: Twin Falls, Idaho
• Number of miles: 100 miles
• Recommended length of road trip: 2 days

While there are no national parks in Idaho, there are many beautiful state parks. And Thousand Springs State Park is one of them.

It’s close enough to Twin Falls that you could make it a day trip, but there are so many things to do in the five units of the state park, it’s better to make it a 2-day road trip.

On your first day, leave Twin Falls early in the morning. If you haven’t seen them yet, head to Shoshone Falls to admire the “Niagara of the West”.

Then, make your way to the Niagara Springs Unit where you can have a picnic by the waterfalls or visit the Fish Hatchery.

In the afternoon, drive to Banbury Hot Springs where you can stay for the night. Rent kayaks or paddleboards and paddle to Blue Heart Box. On the way back, you can enjoy the hot springs.

The next morning, drive to the Box Canyon Unit and hike down to the water.

Then, head to Ritter Island. On Ritter Island, you can take a self-guided tour of the barn and walk to Minnie Miller Springs.

It’s also a great spot to paddle board around the island and to see Lemon Falls. When you are ready, slowly make your way to Billingsley Creek Lodging where you’ll stay overnight.

Contributed by Emilié Brillon, Love Life Abroad

Beartooth Highway: America’s Most Beautiful Drive

• Start: Red Lodge, Montana
• End: Cooke City, Montana
• Number of miles: 68.7 miles

The late Charles Kuralt called Beartooth Highway “the most beautiful drive in America.” Once you’ve driven this scenic route, it’s easy to see why.

The drive begins in Red Lodge, Montana, a charming town at the base of the Beartooth Mountains. While you’re there, stock up on huckleberry caramels at Montana Candy Emporium.

This isn’t one of those scenic routes you can just hop onto. Because it winds through twenty peaks each exceeding 12,000 feet, this highway is only open a few months.

The best time of year to visit is July and August, although snow squalls have been known to kick up even then.

In fact, there’s even a place to stop and ski–in June.

There are several overlooks, and a great place to get out and stretch your legs is Rock Creek Vista Point.

The route ends in Cooke City, Montana, but keep going and you’ll enter Yellowstone National Park .

John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway

• Start: West Thumb, Yellowstone National Park
• End: Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
• Number of miles: 27 miles
• Recommended length of road trip: 1+ day

Talk about an embarrassment of riches. The John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway begins in Yellowstone National Park and ends in Grand Teton National Park, connecting two of the country’s most beautiful treasures.

Named for the philanthropist and conservationist who was responsible for preserving several public lands, the parkway is only 27 miles.

It packs a lot into that short drive. It’s a transitional landscape between the lava beds and thermal activity to the north, and the granite mountains to the south.

In between are meadows, forests, and waterfalls. There are hiking trails and campgrounds along the way. If you prefer a bed, there’s lodging in both neighboring parks.

Zion-Mount Carmel Highway

• Start: Springdale, Utah
• End: Mount Carmel Junction
• Number of miles: 25 miles

Some of Utah’s most wonderful scenery can be found in Zion National Park, and one of the best ways to see it is by driving the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, which traverses the park!

Built in 1930, this highway has a tunnel that was a marvel of engineering at the time, and the highway also has amazing views of Zion on all sides, so you can enjoy some of the park’s best scenery without doing any hiking!

One of the many interesting sights on this road is the Checkerboard Mesa, an unusual rock formation with checkered sandstone patterns.

Along the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, there are plenty of scenic viewpoints and pull-off spots as you go, as well as some trailheads if you want to do a bit of hiking.

The Canyon Overlook Trail, for example, is one of the  best hikes in Zion National Park  and it starts from this highway. All in all, it’s a scenic drive that you shouldn’t miss when traveling through Utah!

Contributed by David & Intan of The World Travel Guy

Zion National Park to Moab, Utah: Scenic Byway 12

• Start: Zion National Park
• End: Moab, Utah
• Number of miles: 375 miles
• Recommended length of trip: at least three days

Get ready to suspend your disbelief, because a road trip from Zion to Moab is filled with landscapes that can’t possibly be real–yet they are.

Start with David’s route through Zion National Park above.

You’ll exit the park on UT-9, and at the Mount Carmel Junction, turn north on US-89 until you get to UT-12. This official All-American Road takes you to Bryce Canyon National Park, and on the way you’ll drive through hoodoos and red rock tunnels.

Allow time in Bryce Canyon to hike through the towering formations created by millennia of erosion.

For another surprising landscape, stop in Capitol Reef National Park and then continue to Goblin Valley State Park . Although it’s not one of the official Big 5 Utah National Parks, it’s a destination worth visiting.

From there, you’ll hit a quick stretch of I-70 before turning south for Moab. Before you get to the town, plan to do some hiking in Arches National Park.

The area’s sparsely populated, so accommodations can be hard to come by. There are a few motels and hotels near Bryce Canyon, and Canyon Country Lodge in Escalante is highly rated.

Moab to Page: a Utah to Arizona Road Trip

• Start: Moab, Utah
• End: Page, Arizona
• Number of miles: 275 miles

A road trip from Moab, UT to Page, AZ will take you through some of the most iconic landscapes in the United States. The total distance is only about 275 miles but there is so much to see that you’ll want to give yourself a minimum of three days to complete it.

This part of southern Utah and northern Arizona is sparsely populated and magnificently beautiful. It is classified as a high desert ecosystem, meaning hot summers and surprising cold winters.

Assuming you’ve seen Arches National Park and the northern part of Canyonlands National Park, start the road trip with a stop at the far less-visited Needles District of Canyonlands National Park, about 2 hours southwest of Moab.

Here, funky, needle-like rocks dot the landscape and make for some awesome desert hikes. 

From the Needles District, continue south to Valley of the Gods, where a dirt road forms a scenic loop around some fascinating rock formations. From there it’s a short drive to Goosenecks State Park, one of Utah’s best kept secrets.

But the crown jewel of this road trip is the breathtaking landscape of Monument Valley . Made famous by old western movies, Monument Valley is essentially a flat red desert floor with massive sandstone rock buttes. 

Continue from there into Arizona where you’ll end in the town of Page. Page is known for being home to two famous landmarks: Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend.

Antelope Canyon requires an organized tour while Horseshoe Bend is easy to see on your own in less than an hour. 

The road trip from Moab to Page will give you a taste of what the American Southwest has to offer and show you why people have been drawn to this barren, inhospitable desert for generations. 

Contributed by Chris Heckmann of Around the World With Me

Denver to Black Canyon Colorado Road Trip

• Start: Denver
• End: Telluride, Colorado
• Recommended length of road trip: 3 days

The Rocky Mountains stretch from western Canada all the way down to New Mexico, and their jagged peaks create picturesque backdrops for a beautiful USA road trip.

Driving through Colorado alongside the San Juan mountains section of the Rockies really showcases the steep cliffs and sheer drop-offs of mountains rising over 14,000 feet high.

Starting in Denver, travelers will pass through the breathtaking San Isabel, Gunnison, and Uncompahgre National Forests before reaching the first must-see stop on the road trip: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park .

This steep gorge contains the highest vertical cliff in Colorado, and visitors can  drive through the park  along the South Rim Road to admire the breathtaking views of the park.

After spending time in the Black Canyon, travel further south to the quaint mountain town of Telluride.

This former mining town is set inside a box canyon with amazing mountain views from downtown. Telluride is the perfect place to stay for a few nights, maybe hiking to Bridal Veil Falls or taking the Telluride Gondola to the neighboring Mountain Village.

The Hotel Telluride is a “mountain chic” resort right in the middle of downtown, within walking distance to shopping and local restaurants.

Contributed by Erin Moreland of Super Simple Salty Life

Rocky Mountain National Park Trail Ridge Road Scenic Drive

• Start: in Estes Park and winds through Rocky Mountain National Park
• End: Grand Lake, Colorado
• Number of miles: 48 miles
• Recommended length of trip: Around 2-3 hours but more if you want to do hikes in the park

If you’re searching for one of the most beautiful road trips in the USA then you can’t beat  Trail Ridge Road  through Rocky Mountain National Park.

After all, this road is the highest continuous paved road in the country.  Therefore, it’s been nicknamed the “Highway to the Sky” since it crosses the Continental Divide at an astounding 12,183 feet in the air.  However, because of intense winter weather, the road is usually closed from mid-October through the end of May. You’ll also have to pay $30 per vehicle for a day pass or $35 for a 7 consecutive day pass if you want to visit.  Otherwise, just enjoy the amazing scenery all around you at places like Deer Ridge Junction (perfect in the fall), Hidden Valley, Rainbow Curve Overlook, Ute Trailhead, Gore Range Overlook, and more.  You can also stop by the Alpine Visitor Center and pick up some grub along the way since this is the only place to get food along the route.

Contributed by Meg of Fox in the Forest

Midwest USA Beautiful Road Trips

• Start: Chicago, Illinois
• End: Santa Monica, California
• Number of miles: 2,488 miles
• Recommended length of road trip: 2 weeks

While some stretches of Route 66 may not be the most picturesque, you simply cannot have an article about the most beautiful road trips in the USA and not include the Mother Road.

Since it was cobbled together back in 1926 from various routes between Chicago and Santa Monica, Route 66 has been the symbol of freedom and the open road.

Begin your adventure in Chicago, then follow Route 66 in Illinois to the Mississippi River and keep going, through Missouri and a quick 13-mile jaunt into Kansas.

The drive continues through Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona before ending at the Pacific Ocean. Along the way, you’ll see a UNESCO World Heritage Site , stand on a corner in Winslow, encounter a giant blue whale and paint buried Cadillacs.

There’s a reason that nearly a century later, this trip still captures the imaginations of millions of travelers around the world.

If you plan to drive Route 66, I highly recommend looking up Jim Hinkley . He’s written several books about the route and is an expert on its storied past.

Related: discover more amazing road trips from Chicago .

Badlands Loop State Scenic Byway

• Start: I-90, exit 131 in South Dakota
• End: Wall, South Dakota
• Number of miles: 38 miles

You’ll feel like you’re entering another world when you’re driving through Badlands National Park .

This South Dakota scenic drive is a glimpse into a world of eons gone by. Erosion has whittled the former sea bed into a striated landscape of spires and bluffs.

You can drive straight through in about an hour or so, but you’ll definitely want to take the time for hiking the many trails. It’s also good to start at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center, which has interpretive displays and a well-stocked gift shop.

That’s also where you can get a bite to eat. The Cedar Pass Lodge is a sit-down restaurant and also offers snacks.

Be careful when you’re driving the Badlands Loop State Scenic Byway. Bison roam free, as do bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and endangered black-footed ferrets.

Door County Coastal Byway

• Start: Sturgeon Bay
• End: Gills Rock
• Number of miles: 66 miles
• Recommended length of road trip: It is recommended to allow a full day to complete the route, but at least two to fully enjoy all of its attractions.

The Door County Coastal Byway is a stunning drive along the eastern coast of Wisconsin’s Door Peninsula. You’ll experience breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and Green Bay, as well as charming coastal towns and villages.

The route takes you through scenic state parks, including Potawatomi and Newport, where you can hike, bike, or simply take in the natural beauty of the area.

Along the way, you’ll also find several lighthouses, including the iconic Cana Island Lighthouse, which is open for tours during the summer months. The towns of Egg Harbor, Sister Bay, and Fish Creek offer numerous shops, galleries, and restaurants for a taste of local culture.

The route ends in Gills Rock, where you can take a ferry to nearby Washington Island for a unique island experience.

What makes this road trip unique?

The Door County Coastal Byway is one of only a few designated scenic byways in Wisconsin, offering a truly special experience for those who appreciate natural beauty and historic charm.

The route is dotted with cultural and historical landmarks, including lighthouses, museums, and even an old-fashioned fish boil dinner experience.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, from hiking and biking to boating and fishing, making it a versatile destination for all types of travelers.

If you choose to make this a multi-day trip, there are several recommended accommodations along the route, including the Landmark Resort in Egg Harbor, which offers stunning views of Green Bay. Check out where to stay in Door County.

The Ashbrooke in downtown Egg Harbor is a charming boutique hotel within walking distance of shops and restaurants.

Contributed by Dannelle Gay of The Traveling Cheesehead

Want to experience a fictional Door County? Download Peril on the Peninsula , a fun cozy mystery featuring travel writer Alex Paige.

Flint Hills National Scenic Byway

• Start: Start at Council Grove in the north
• End: Cassoday in the south
• Number of miles: 47
• Recommended length of road trip: At least two days

Let peace soak into your soul along the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway from Council Grove to Cassoday on Highway 177.

The region’s flint bedrock prevented widespread farming. Instead, the unrelenting rock preserved the last vestiges of unbroken tallgrass prairie.

In Council Grove, U.S. commissioners negotiated with the Great and Little Osage tribe to allow Santa Fe Trail wagons to pass.

The Allegawaho Heritage Memorial Park southeast of Council Grove surrounds the Unknown Indian Monument, a member of the Ka. ⁿ ze n.kashi ⁿ ga (Kanza) tribe. 

Experience early settlers’ interaction with the tallgrass prairie ecosystem at the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in Chase County north of Strong City. The tallgrass reaches its considerable height in the fall.

Under the right conditions, the grasses can measure 6 feet high. Ride the tour bus from the visitors center to see the bison herd.

Stay at the AAA Four Diamond Grand Central Hotel & Grand Grill in Cottonwood Falls and attend Emma Chase Friday Night Music down the street.

Contributed by Roxie Yonkey of Roxie on the Road

Flint Hills National Scenic Byway is one of the many scenic drives featured in Midwest Road Trip Adventures .

North Shore of Lake Superior Road Trip in Minnesota

• Start: Duluth, Minnesota
• End: Grand Portage, Minnesota
• Number of miles: 145 miles
• Recommended length of road trip: 2-3 days

Running for nearly 150 miles along Lake Superior’s shoreline, a drive up Minnesota’s North Shore makes for one of the best road trips in the Midwest .

With hikes galore, views around every corner, and plenty of delicious places to eat, this is a must-do. You’ll also get to experience the world’s largest freshwater lake!

Starting in Duluth, wander around Canal Park for a bit before heading up the shore. See the Aerial Lift Bridge, swim at Park Point Beach, and eat your way through Duluth.

Then, start making your way up Highway 61, following Lake Superior for the entire drive. Stop at the must-see spots such as Gooseberry Falls, Tettegouche State Park, Palisade Head, Black Beach, and Grand Marais.

A few of the top hikes include Bean and Bear Lake Loop, Shovel Point, and Eagle Mountain. Each providing some of the best views of the lake and Sawtooth Mountains.

By the time you reach Grand Portage, you’ll have almost made it to the Canadian border! It’s best to take a few days for this trip so you can really take it all in.

When you need to rest for the night, make a stop at Cove Point Lodge in Beaver Bay.

Contributed by Kassidy Olson of Kassidy’s Journey

Ohio River Scenic Byway

• Start: East Liverpool, Ohio
• End: Cairo, Illinois
• Number of miles: 953 miles
• Recommended length of road trip: 5-7 days

The Ohio River Scenic Byway is an historic route that’s also one of the most beautiful road trips in the USA.

The river itself was a main thoroughfare for early settlers, and that history is reflected in the towns and museums that line the route. You’ll traverse the southern borders of Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, from the river’s beginnings west of Pittsburgh until it ends at the Mississippi River in Cairo.

Because it follows a river that divided North from South, there are a lot of places that served as stops on the Underground Railroad. You can also visit Grant’s birthplace and Lincoln’s boyhood home.

Although Lewis and Clark’s Corps of Discovery departed from St. Louis, they began to gather along the Ohio River. Before William Clark headed west, his older brother George Rogers was a hero of the Revolutionary War, and he’s honored in Illinois’ Fort Massac State Park.

This road trip can be done in a week, but if you really want to experience the history of this route, allow more time.

If you’re looking for a comfortable break, spend a couple days in Cincinnati with an overnight stay at the Residence Inn by Marriott .

West Michigan Pike (US 31)

• Start: New Buffalo near Michigan’s southern border
• End: Ludington, Michigan
• Number of miles: 184 miles
• Recommended length of road trip: While the total drive time is approximately four hours, you could easily spend a week exploring Michigan’s lakeshore towns.

West Michigan Pike is a beachy drive along the west coast of Michigan’s lower peninsula. The drive is full of charming small towns that are a draw for boating enthusiasts and nature lovers, art aficionados, and history buffs. 

Some highlights include South Haven, Saugatuck, Holland, Grand Haven, Muskegon, and  Ludington .

The area boasts various wineries, including those on the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail, where you can experience award-winning wines. One example is the 12 Corners Tasting Room in South Haven.  

What makes this Midwest road trip unique?

The West Michigan Pike (US 31) meanders along the Lake Michigan shoreline, taking you through many “best of” designations. 

For example,  Forbes  called Holland, with its Dutch Heritage, one of the  Prettiest Towns in America . During the annual festival  Tulip Time , six million tulip blossoms explode in a riot of color.

You’ll find several unique accommodations along the byway if you want to make this more than a day trip. History enthusiasts will want to overnight on the USS Silversides Submarine in Muskegon.

Foodies will enjoy a luxurious stay in Saugatuck at the  Wickwood Inn , a bed and breakfast owned by Julee Rosso, author of the  Silver Palate Cookbook .

Contributed by Amy Piper of Follow the Piper

Hawaii Road Trips

Big island road trip.

• Start: Hilo
• End: Kona 
• Number of Miles: 123 miles 
• Recommended length of Road trip: At least 3 days. 

This epic Big Island Road Trip needs to be on everyone’s USA Bucket List. There are not many places in the United States where you can see lava one day, waterfalls the next, and then end the trip by relaxing on a sunny beach.

This Big Island road trip starts in Hilo, otherwise known as the rainiest city in the United States, so be sure to pack your rain jacket.

While in Hilo, you’ll check out Akaka Falls State Park, Rainbow Falls, Kaumana Caves, and of course downtown Hilo (shopping, farmer’s market, restaurants, and a beach across the street). 

The Grand Naniloa Hotel is a great option to catch some zzz’s on night one.

When you are ready to leave Hilo, you will drive 30 miles south to the amazing Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Here you can see more lava tubes, hike to the crater of a solidified lava lake (Kileau Iki Trail), and marvel at the glowing lava from the Kileau overlook. Find a cute B&B near the park’s entrance to stay tonight. 

Finally, on the last day (or days) of your road trip, head to Kona. Kona is known for having much better weather than the first two locations, so you can take your swimsuit back out of your suitcase.

After arriving in Kona, head to the beach for a relaxing day in the sun! There are many beaches to choose from, but some popular options include Alula Beach, Kua Bay, and Mahai’ula Beach. 

After your beach day, end this Big Island road trip with a bucket list activity by swimming with the giant manta rays.

From here, you can either fly out of Kona or head back to the airport in Hilo.

Contributed by Jordan Lindsay, The Homebody Tourist

Kauai Road Trip to Waimea Canyon

• Start: Lihue, Kauai
• End: Lihue, Kauai
• Number of miles: 200 miles
• Recommended length of road trip: 3-4 days

Start your  Kauai road trip itinerary  by picking up your car at the Lihue airport and then start making your way to Waimea Canyon, nicknamed “the Grand Canyon of the Pacific” for its stunning, Southwestern-looking landscape and dramatic scale.

Keep going up Route 550 to see some more beautiful Kauai highlights. Head to both Kalalau Lookout and Pu’u O Kila Lookout at the very end of the road for some of the most beautiful sweeping views over Kauai’s Na Pali Coast.

Head back to Lihue, stopping at Red Dirt Waterfall on the way back. Lihue makes a great home base between Kauai’s sites.

The next day, visit the historic town of Hanapepe and visit its historic swinging bridge, then head to Poipu Beach and Koloa for the rest of the day.

Next, spend at least one day exploring Kauai’s more isolated North Shore. Make your way to Hanalei Bay first and explore the charming town to Hanalei, which is a great spot to have a meal.

From there, visit Hā’ena State Park (reservations required) and Lumaha’i Beach, before heading back and stopping at Kilauea Lighthouse, ‘Opaeka’a Falls, and the rainbow eucalyptus trees of Keahua Arboretum on the way back to Lihue.

Contributed by Allison Green of Eternal Arrival

The Road to Hana: One of the most beautiful road trips in the USA

• Start: Town of Paia
• End: Oheo Pools past the town of Hana.
• Length: around 55 miles
• Recommended length of road trip:  The Road to Hana drive without any stops takes around 3 hours due to the single-lane road, but the drive is about the stops and it can take a whole day to explore. 

The  Road to Hana  is a scenic highway that winds through the lush rainforests and beautiful coastal landscapes of Maui, Hawaii. It is considered one of the most beautiful road trips in the USA. 

The road is famous for its winding curves, narrow bridges, and stunning views of the ocean and coastline.

Along the way, visitors can stop at several scenic lookouts, rushing waterfalls, and gorgeous beaches.

Some of the most popular stops along the Road to Hana are Twin Falls, Garden of Eden, Ke’anae Pennisula, Wainapanapa State Park, and Oheo Gulch.

The Wainapanapa State Park is home to the famous black sand beach in Maui. The Town of Hana has some great food trucks for delicious meals after the long drive.

Road to Hana is mainly about the drive to Hana and not so much about the town Hana.

Road to Hana is mostly done as a road trip from the resort areas of West Maui, but there are accommodation options to stay overnight in Hana town.

Hana Maui Resort is one of the best accommodations in Hana with ocean views.

Contributed by Anu Agarwal of Destination Checkoff

New England Beautiful Road Trips

Connecticut and massachusetts road trip.

• Start: Mystic, CT
• End: Newburyport, MA
• Number of miles: 240 miles (one-way)
• Recommended length of trip: 7 days

For a gorgeous coastal road trip through New England, you’ll want to head straight to Connecticut and Massachusetts.

Filled with charming towns and quaint fishing villages, you’ll also get to experience some of the best cities on the East Coast, stunning beaches, and eat the freshest seafood.

Starting in Mystic, CT (yes,  that  famous Mystic!), the Mystic Seaport Museum and charming Main Street should be at the top of your list. And if you’re a fan of the movie, you can grab a slice of pizza from the iconic Mystic Pizza.

Making your way to Massachusetts, you’ll want to stop in Newport, RI, which is famous for the stunning Gilded Age mansions, before making your way to Cape Cod, MA.

This is where you’ll see the most beautiful beaches and have the best  lobster rolls  you’ll eat on your trip! 

The last leg of this road trip includes Boston, and the North Shore. Some great towns to visit along the way are Salem and Rockport, before ending in the charming city of Newburyport.

Boston is an exciting city that is perfect for a 2-night stay. A great hotel option while here is The Revere Hotel, which is walkable to the Public Gardens, shopping, dining and the scenic Charles River Esplanade. 

Contributed by Samantha Hamilton of New England Wanderlust

New England Fall Colors Road Trip

• Start: Boston
• End: Boston
• Number of Miles: 674
• Recommended Length of Road Trip: 3-5 days

A fall road trip through New England should definitely be on your bucket list, if it isn’t already!

You’ll start your road trip in Boston, the largest city in New England with an international airport convenient for flying in and out.

In Boston, be sure to walk Boston Common and the Boston Public Gardens, where you will see lots of fall color and fall blooms.

Next, head north to New Hampshire, where Lincoln makes a great base for many scenic drives.

Definitely do the Kancamagus Highway , considered one of the top fall foliage drives anywhere on the planet.

Franconia Notch State Park is also worth exploring, especially Flume Gorge. Drive up to the top of Mount Washington for epic views, or take the Cog Railway.

Then drive to Stowe, one of the most beautiful  places to visit in Vermont . The colors here are incredible at peak, and there is a white church in town that’s a super popular fall photo spot. Be sure to drive Route 100, a scenic byway.

Burlington on Lake Champlain is another beautiful city to visit in Vermont before heading south to the charming village of Woodstock and Brattleboro on your way back to Boston.

In Lincoln, New Hampshire, stay at the Riverwalk Resort. In Stowe, you have to stay at the Trapp Family Lodge, run by the von Trapp family of Sound of Music fame!

Contributed by Dhara from It’s Not About the Miles

A Stunning Coastal Maine Road Trip

• Start: Portland, Maine
• End: Bar Harbor, Maine
• Number of miles: 177 miles

This coastal Maine road trip combines stunning coastal views with charming towns and villages. You can explore the rocky coast, visit quaint fishing villages, and experience the unique culture of Maine’s maritime communities.

Portland is a great starting point for any Maine road trip with its historic Old Port District, bustling food scene, and picturesque harbor.

Afterward, you’ll take Route 1 and head north towards Bar Harbor. Your first stop along the coast is Freeport, home to world-renowned outlet stores and the historic L.L. Bean factory store.

Then, you’ll stop in Bath, a beautiful town full of charming houses and a bustling waterfront. Make sure to explore the Maine Maritime Museum while you’re there to learn more about Maine’s nautical history.

The next stop on your road trip is Wiscasset, a small town with an abundance of antique shops, with Castle Tucker being a local favorite.

You’ll keep driving and reach Damariscotta, where you can grab a delicious lobster roll at The Lobster Haul and walk along the beautiful harbor.

Your next two stops are Rockland and Rockport. In Rockland, make sure to visit the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse before heading to Rockport to explore its charming downtown.

Your stopping point for the day is Camden in the Mid-Coast region of Maine, known for its sailing and boating. You’ll spend the night at Lord Camden Inn in the town’s historic district.

The next day, you’ll continue your road trip along Route 1 and head toward Bar Harbor. You can make a few stops along the way, such as Northport and Belfast, before arriving in Bar Harbor.

There are so many incredible things to do in Bar Harbor , such as hiking the Acadia National Park trails or taking a harbor cruise around Frenchman Bay.

You can also explore the downtown area for some great seafood restaurants and unique shops.

Contributed by Disha Smith of Disha Discovers

Beautiful South USA Road Trips

An historic road trip to shenandoah national park.

• Start: Annapolis, MD
• End: Shenandoah National Park
• Number of miles: 210 miles

A road trip from Annapolis, Maryland to Skyline Drive to the southern tip of Shenandoah National Park is a 210-mile drive but stretch it over three days.

Take strategic stops en route to tour Baltimore and Alexandria (two Revolutionary War cities) as well as the nation’s capital (Washington DC).

Visit Charm City’s Fells Point and Federal Hills neighborhoods in the morning. Order crab cakes for lunch at a café on Baltimore’s historic waterfront.

Then shoot down Baltimore Washington Parkway to spend the night in the nation’s capital.

Reserve a full day to take a  DC neighborhood walking tour , ramble in the National Gallery of Art sculpture garden, visit the Smithsonian Museum complex, and tour the Library of Congress. 

In the evening, rent an e-Bike and head for the Botanic Gardens.

Spend day two in Old Town Alexandria and tour Mount Vernon.

Eat lunch at a quaint café on the main shopping avenue (King Street Mile). Follow a self-guided architecture tour of historic homes.

In the morning, drive to Front Royal, Virginia to enter Shenandoah National Park. The final trip segment is the 105-mile Skyline Drive.

It follows the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It only takes three hours to drive it, but stop frequently to hike or watch for wildlife. 

Contributed by Terri Markle of Female Solo Trek

The Beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway

• Start: Shenandoah National Park
• End: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• Number of miles: 469 miles
• Recommended length of road trip: 2 nights+

When is a road more than just a road? When it’s the Blue Ridge Parkway. 

Referred to as “America’s Favorite Drive,” the 469-mile rural route connects Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, extending from Waynesboro, Va., to Cherokee, N.C.

While it is said to take less than 13 hours to drive through, many exploring the Parkway choose to do so in two- to five-day getaways during three out of four seasons since winter weather can be unpredictable and can cause road closures.

For first-time visitors, the Blue Ridge Parkway is easy to navigate, with points of interest marked by mileposts, starting with 0 and ending with 469.

From the Natural Bridge (milepost 61.6), with George Washington’s initials carved into it, to Flat Top Manor at Moses H. Cone Memorial Park (milepost 294), home to the Southern Highland Craft Guild Shop, to Mount Mitchell State Park (milepost 355.4), the highest point east of the Mississippi, the scenic and historic varieties appeal to every type of traveler.

There are also many outdoor opportunities, such as hiking (all levels), mountain biking and fishing. 

The Parkway experience isn’t just limited to views. But, while those are spectacular, don’t miss out on the nearby towns and cities, such as Hot Springs and Roanoke, Virginia, and Asheville and Boone, North Carolina.

Each has its own personality and flavor and offers a range of attractions, local restaurants and accommodations for every budget.

Contributed by Apryl Chapman Thomas of Southern Hospitality Magazine

Destin to Clearwater Florida Road Trip

• Start: Destin, Florida
• End: Clearwater, Florida
• Number of miles: 415 miles
• Recommended length of road trip: 5 days

One of the most beautiful road trips in the USA is from Destin to Clearwater. Both of these cities and the route between them have some of the most beautiful beaches in the United States, with great attractions and amazing views.

In Destin, you can visit the beach at Henderson Beach State Park and do some shopping along the Destin Harbor Boardwalk.

For overnight accommodations in Destin, be sure to check out the Sandestin Golf and Beach resort. It has a great location near the top attractions and fantastic views. 

The drive from Destin to Clearwater takes about 6 hours and 45 minutes. There are some fun places to stay overnight if you want to split up the drive or visit other parts of Florida along the way.

Cedar Key is a beautiful coastal town, or you could visit Weeki Wachee. If you want to take a bit of a detour, Silver Springs in Ocala has a great glass-bottom boat tour going through the Springs. 

Once you have made it to Clearwater, be sure to visit Pier 60 and the marina across the beach. This is a really fun area of town with lots of attractions and a beautiful beach.

You can also find lots of yummy  downtown Clearwater restaurants in this area.  There are lots of great dolphin and sunset cruises that depart out of Clearwater. 

The Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa is a great place to stay in Clearwater with close beach access and tons of great hotel amenities. 

Contributed by Candice of Exploring the Gulf

Florida Keys Road Trip

• Start: Miami, Florida
• End: Key West, Florida
• Number of miles: 160 miles (320 miles round trip)

In terms of road trips, a Florida Keys road trip is quite short. It is 160 miles and a straight through drive time of around 3hrs 30 between Miami and Key West.

There are a couple of options: either fly into Miami International Airport, pick up a rental car, drive to Key West and fly back out of Key West EYW airport at the end. Or drive back to Miami airport and do it as a round trip. 

What makes this road trip along US Route 1 unique, is that the last 112 miles is known as the ‘Overseas Highway’. It crossed 29 islands connected by 42 bridges, with the longest bridge being 7 miles in length!

There are plenty of things to see and do along the route, especially between  Marathon and Key West .

The Turtle Hospital in Marathon offers tours of their turtle rescue and rehabilitation facility and Big Pine Key is home to the smallest species of white-tailed deer in the USA.

It is worth spending at least 2 nights in Key West, the southernmost point of continental USA. The Ibis Bay Beachfront Resort has free parking, a shuttle to downtown and complimentary breakfast.

Contributed by Kylie of Between England and Everywhere

Talimena National Scenic Byway

• Start: Talihini, Oklahoma
• End: Mena, Arkansas
• Number of miles: 54 miles
• Recommended length of road trip: 1-3 days

The  Talimena National Scenic Byway  is a beautiful road trip from Talihina, Oklahoma to Mena, Arkansas. This route winds its way through the Ouachita Mountains.

The scenic drive includes 22 vistas and overlooks to pull over and enjoy the view, along with multiple historic sites and hiking trails. 

You can finish the route in 3-5 hours if you want to just drive and get out to enjoy the overlooks, making it a great day trip from Oklahoma City, Tulsa, or even Dallas. Round out your day trip by spending time in either Talihina or Mena.

If you have a full day, you can enjoy one of the day hikes along the route, stop at the Kerr Arboretum, and visit all of the historic sites along the route like the Pioneer Cemetery.

There are two state parks along the Talimena: Talimena State Park in Oklahoma and Queen Wilhelmina State Park in Arkansas.

If you have two or three days, you can camp at the state parks, spend time enjoying both towns, hike more than one hike, or camp overnight on the route itself. 

The drive is beautiful year-round; however, it’s even more popular in late October and early November as its one of the best places to enjoy fall foliage in Oklahoma and Arkansas.

Contributed by Stephanie Craig of History Fangirl

I hope you enjoyed discovering these beautiful road trips in the USA. It’s incredible how much there is to see in this country.

Before you hit the road, be sure to download your road trip packing lists, for free!

30 Awesome Road Trips In USA: Most Scenic Drives In America

by Mark and Kristen Morgan

Published: August 24, 2022

UPDATED: June 24, 2024

The United States has hundreds of scenic road trip routes through national parks, mountains, deserts, coastlines and forests. You can drive iconic US road trips like Route 66 and the Pacific Coast Highway, but there’s also lesser known areas, shorter drives and unique routes you can create from scratch. We’ve racked up some serious milage driving around America, and we’re here to help you find a new adventure.

In this guide we show you 30 amazing USA road trips to add to your bucket list, based on our own experiences.

Our US Road Trip Experience

We’ve driven many of the great American road trips across more than 30 US states since we began traveling full time in 2018. Our trusty Ford Escape “Big Blue” has stickers from the likes of CA, WA, UT, AZ, WY, SD, VT, NH, NY, NC, VA and other popular US road trip destinations. Read more about us .

Over the last 6 years, we’ve driven every single one of the short US road trips and custom routes you’ll find listed in this guide. We’d love to drive one of those epic long distance USA road trips like the Atlantic Coast in the near future. Sticking to the coastline from Miami to Boston sounds awesome, right?

About This Guide

We’ve rounded up the most scenic, iconic and adventurous road trips in the US to help you create a bucket list filled with amazing routes covering as many American states as possible.

Road trips in this guide are based on legend and our own experiences. The list is in alphabetical order but stick around until the end to see our personal top 5 USA road trips ranked!

1. American Southwest

• Start : Las Vegas, NV
• End : Las Vegas, NV
• Distance : 1,700 miles
• Days : 10-14
• Season : Year round

The American Southwest road trip is a 1,700-mile loop through Utah and Arizona featuring some of the most famous natural attractions in the USA. Our longer and slower version of the classic US southwest route includes Utah’s Mighty 5 national parks, Kanab, Page, Grand Canyon National Park and Sedona.

We’ve driven around Utah and Arizona twice. They’re two of our favorite US road trip states because they’re overflowing with hikes, photo spots and dramatic formations. You can create shorter versions of this route, but allow for 14 days to tick off the top highlights.

Places to visit:

• Valley of Fire State Park
• Zion National Park
• Bryce Canyon National Park
• Capitol Reef National Park
• Arches National Park
• Canyonlands National Park
• Monument Valley
• Grand Canyon North Rim
• Grand Canyon South Rim

2. Anchorage To Valdez

• Start : Anchorage
• End : Valdez
• Distance : 300 miles
• Season : Summer

The Anchorage to Valdez road trip is a 300-mile point to point route in Alaska featuring striking mountains and glaciers. It takes around 6-7 hours without stops but you should plan for one full day with stops. Matanuska Glacier and Wrangell-St Elias National Park are the two places you shouldn’t miss.

With two days , we would add a side trip from Anchorage to Kenai Fjords National Park. Or for a truly unforgettable 14 day Alaskan adventure, we would road trip from Seward to Valdez via Fairbanks. This would include Kenai Fjords, Denali and Wrangell-St Elias National Parks. Wow!

• Eklutna Historical Park
• Reindeer farm
• Matanuska Glacier
• Wrangell St Elias National Park
• Worthington Glacier

3. Appalachian Trail

• Start : Monson, ME
• End : Suches, GA
• Distance : 1,350 miles
• Days : 5-10
• Season : Spring-fall

The Appalachian Trail is among the most famous hikes in the US . But what if you don’t have half a year spare to trek over 2,000 miles through 14 states from Georgia to Maine? Well, you drive it instead. This 1,350-mile route hits the major highlights of the hike but rather than walk, you drive between the popular national parks and mountain ranges.

Over the last decade we’ve driven or hiked many parts of the Appalachian Mountains. We think this route is a fantastic way to experience the most scenic natural wilderness areas on the US east coast. Start in Maine at the beginning of October to follow peak fall foliage colors south through New Hampshire, Vermont, Virginia and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• Blue Ridge Parkway
• Shenandoah National Park
• Green Mountains
• White Mountains
• Mount Washington

4. Atlantic Coast

• Start : Miami
• End : Boston
• Days : 14-21

The Atlantic Coast road trip is a 1,700-mile long distance US east coast route hugging the coastline between Miami and Boston . It stops at the major tourist destinations and cities along the eastern seaboard, and it can easily be adapted to suit your timeframe.

I-95 runs the full length of the Atlantic Coast but you should stick to coastline hugging roads as much as possible for the most scenic and enjoyable experience. There’s lots of additional stops you can make with more time, including Myrtle Beach, Wilmington, Virginia Beach and Philadelphia.

• Outer Banks
• Washington DC
• New York City

5. Black Hills South Dakota

• Start : Rapid City, SD
• End : Rapid City, SD
• Distance : 550 miles

The Black Hills of South Dakota road trip is a 550-mile loop featuring attractions like Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, Badlands National Park and Needles Highway. It’s great for couples and families, with scenic drives, excellent hikes and historic wild west towns to discover. There’s more fun things to do near Mount Rushmore than you might imagine.

We’ve driven through South Dakota twice, first in October 2019 and again in April 2021. We think the Black Hills are most beautiful in fall when golden and green leaves complement its granite rocks. It’s a hugely underrated region that deserves to be on every USA road trip bucket list.

• Badlands National Park
• Mount Rushmore National Memorial
• Custer State Park
• Needles Highway
• Iron Mountain Road
• Wind Cave National Park
• Crazy Horse Memorial
• Devils Tower National Monument

Further Reading : South Dakota road trip itinerary ideas

6. Blue Ridge Parkway

• Start : Waynesboro, VA
• End : Cherokee, NC
• Distance : 469 miles

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic 469-mile road trip route connecting Shenandoah National Park, VA with Great Smoky Mountains National Park, NC . It’s the most visited National Park Service site in the US, receiving 15.7 million recreational visitors in 2022. Fall is the best time to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway for vibrant foliage colors.

We’re moving to North Carolina in 2024 and the Blue Ridge Parkway is top of our own American road trip bucket list. We’ll begin in Waynesboro around October 20th and spend a week slowly driving down to Cherokee to follow the peak colors. Maybe we’ll see you along the way.

• Natural Bridge
• Grandfather Mountain State Park
• Mount Mitchell State Park
• Biltmore Estate

7. Border To Border

• Start : Jasper National Park, Canada
• End : Nogales, AZ
• Distance : 2,245 miles

The Border to Border road trip follows US-93 from Jasper, Canada to Nogales, Arizona on the Mexican border. US Highway 93 is a 2,245-mile route featuring a wide range of scenery, including striking mountains, alien landscapes and arid desert.

The best part of this route? You’ll see some of the most visually stunning national parks in North America but also have a few days to splurge in Vegas !

• Jasper National Park
• Banff National Park
• Glacier National Park
• Craters of the Moon
• Great Basin National Park
• Las Vegas attractions
• Saguaro National Park

8. Coastal New England

• Start : Cape Cod, MA
• End : Bar Harbor, ME
• Distance : 450 miles

The Coastal New England road trip is a 450-mile road trip following Routes 6, 3A and 1 from Cape Cod, MA to Acadia National Park, ME . It’s a hugely popular itinerary with stops in quaint coastal towns throughout Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine.

We drove the New England coastline from Acadia to Portland after the peak fall colors in October 2019. It was too late in the season to sunbathe on the beach or take a whale watching tour. But it was quiet, relaxing and affordable at hotels in towns like Boothbay Harbor and Portland.

• Plymouth Rock
• Salem at Halloween
• Kennebunkport
• Portland Head Lighthouse
• Boothbay Harbor
• Acadia National Park

9. Deep South

• Start : Charleston, SC
• End : New Orleans, LA
• Distance : 1,100 miles

The Deep South road trip is a 1,100-mile route featuring the highlights of South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana in the southern United States. You can learn about the civil rights movement, discover the birthplace of American music and eat some of the best barbecue food in the world.

The Southern Belle states offer an authentic, immersive and off the beaten path American road trip experience. You can easily adapt this route to include Memphis, Nashville, Asheville, the Smokies and Florida with more time.

• Fort Sumter National Monument
• Forsyth Park
• Tybee Island
• Georgia Aquarium
• MLK Jr Historic Site
• Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
• The Legacy Museum
• National WWII Museum
• French Quarter

10. Great Northern

• Start : Everett, WA
• End : Houlton, ME
• Distance : 3,400 miles
• Season : Summer-fall

The Great Northern is a 3,300-mile road trip following US-2 from Everett, WA to Houlton, ME . Part of the route passes through Canada’s Ontario and Quebec regions, bridging the gap between Michigan and New York.

US Highway 2 takes you through valleys, mountains, plains, lakes, logging towns and national parks. It’s one of the long distance routes we’d love to drive one day. And we’d definitely drive it in late September through early October for the best colors.

• Leavenworth
• Coeur d’Alene
• Grand Rapids
• Isle Royale National Park

11. Great River Road

• Start : Minneapolis, MN
• Distance : 2,000 miles
• Days : 7-14

The Great River Road is a 2,000-mile long road trip following the Mississippi River through 10 states from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico . Multiple local, state and federal roads were combined to create the GRR National Scenic Byway, which is signposted with a green pilot’s wheel and steamboat from the first mile to the last.

Are you a foodie or music lover? This could be the perfect route for you. It’s far from the busy tourist attractions and cities on the coasts. The Great River Road is about eating, drinking and singing your way from Minneapolis to New Orleans.

• Minneapolis
• New Orleans

12. Historic Columbia River Highway

• Start : Portland, OR
• End : Hood River, OR
• Distance : 60 miles

The Historic Columbia River Gorge Highway road trip is a 65-mile one way drive between Portland and Hood River in Oregon. It twists around cliffs with views of the gorge before descending into the Waterfall Corridor, which is a 12-mile stretch of the highway with various hiking trails leading to waterfalls.

We drove both the Oregon and Washington sides of the Columbia River Gorge in 2021, stopping to hike dozens of fantastic waterfall trails. It’s great if you’re traveling as a family or couple and you love to hike. We think the Columbia River Gorge is one of the best bang for your buck US road trips.

• Latourell Falls
• Bridal Veil Falls
• Wakheena Falls
• Multnomah Falls
• Mt Hood Scenic Byway

13. Kancamagus Highway

• Start : Lincoln, NH
• End : Conway, NH
• Distance : 35 miles

The Kancamagus Highway is a 35-mile long scenic byway through the White Mountains in New Hampshire. Also known as Route 112, the Kancamagus Highway runs from Lincoln to Conway and it’s regarded as one of the best places in the world to see fall foliage colors.

We’ve driven the Kancamagus Highway twice in peak fall foliage season and it’s nothing short of magical. It has dramatic and far reaching views over rolling hills, fun waterfall hikes and countless stunning photo spots. Add The Kanc to your USA road trip bucket list and drive it at the beginning of October .

• Hancock Overlook
• Pemigewasset Overlook
• Sabbaday Falls
• Champney Falls
• Rocky Gorge
• Albany Covered Bridge

Further Reading : Best stops on the Kancamagus Highway road trip

14. Los Angeles To Las Vegas

• Start : Los Angeles
• End : Las Vegas
• Distance : 1,050 miles

The most direct Los Angeles to Las Vegas road trip is a 270-mile drive on I-15. But what if you took the scenic route instead? Our 1,050-mile long custom version of the LA to Vegas road trip features national parks, lakes, incredible hiking trails and countless areas of outstanding natural beauty.

Ditch the boring drive on I-15 and explore both sides of the Sierra Nevada Mountains instead. The route passes through Yosemite on the way to Lake Tahoe, before dropping back down through Death Valley on the way to Las Vegas. It’s a far more scenic way for you to drive between LA and Las Vegas!

• Los Angeles
• Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
• Yosemite National Park
• Death Valley National Park
• Red Rock Canyon

15. Loneliest Road

• Start : Sacramento, CA
• End : Ocean City, MD
• Distance : 3,100 miles
• Days : 14 – 21

The Loneliest Road is a 3,100-mile long cross-country road trip following US Route 50 from Sacramento, CA to Ocean City, MD . US-50 is eerily remote from Lake Tahoe to Great Basin National Park, and in 1986 this desolate stretch of highway was dubbed as The Loneliest Road In America by Life magazine .

Also known as The Backbone of America , US Highway 50 will take you through 14 states, 4 state capitals and a wide range of landscapes, including mountains, deserts and flat plains.

• Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
• Kansas City

16. Mount Rushmore To Yellowstone

• End : Jackson, WY
• Distance : 775 miles

The Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone road trip is a 775-mile route featuring the best of South Dakota’s Black Hills and the three most popular places to visit in Wyoming ; Yellowstone, Grand Teton and Jackson. It’s an easy route with just one long day of driving across the Bighorn Mountains.

We’ve driven from Mt Rushmore to Yellowstone twice. We think this route has to be classed as one of the best USA road trips because it has so many attractions, hikes, national parks and photo spots with very little wasted driving time. You should take Cloud Peak Skyway from Buffalo to Ten Sleep for the most scenic route across the Bighorn Mountains.

• Mount Rushmore
• Spearfish Canyon
• Devils Tower
• Yellowstone National Park
• Grand Teton National Park

Further Reading : Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone and Grand Teton road trip itinerary

17. Natchez Trace Parkway

• Start : Nashville, TN
• End : Natchez, MS
• Distance : 444 miles

The Natchez Trace Parkway road trip is a 444-mile scenic byway from Nashville, TN to Natchez, MS . It’s a relaxing route with 50mph speed limits and no stop lights. The byway connects the most popular parts of Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi.

This classic route following the Old Natchez Trace is all about music, civil war history and Americana. It’s free of commercialism and takes you into the heart of authentic American history. Looking for an easy going middle distance road trip on relaxing roads? This could be your best bet.

• Leiper’s Fork
• Muscle Shoals

18. New England In Fall

• Start : Lake Placid, NY
• End : Boston, MA
• Distance : 600 miles
• Season : Fall

The New England fall road trip is a 600-mile route through the most attractive towns, hiking areas, national forests, lakes and mountains in Vermont and New Hampshire during the peak fall foliage season. Parts of New York, Massachusetts and Maine can be included if you have more time.

We drove through New England during peak fall foliage season in both 2019 and 2023. It’s one of our favorite American road trips because every hike, photo spot, attraction and town is surrounded by radiant earthy colors. New England in fall should be somewhere near the top of your bucket list.

• Lake Placid NY
• Burlington VT
• Artists Bluff
• Flume Gorge
• Mt Washington
• Kancamagus Highway
• Lake Winnipesaukee
• Woodstock VT
• Manchester VT
• Mohawk Trail

Further Reading: New England fall foliage road trip itinerary

19. Olympic Peninsula Loop

• Start : Seattle, WA
• End : Seattle, WA
• Distance : 400 miles

The Olympic Peninsula Loop road trip is a 400-mile scenic drive around Olympic National Park, Washington . Spur roads filled with pot holes take you inside the loop to Olympic’s most picturesque mountains, hikes, rainforest and lakes.

We drove the Olympic Peninsula Loop road trip in October 2021. It’s a fun national park to explore because it has incredibly diverse scenery. Mount Storm King was our favorite hike and the unique Hoh Rainforest was our favorite photo spot.

• Port Townsend
• Hurricane Ridge
• Lake Crescent
• Hoh Rainforest
• Lake Quinault

20. Oregon Coast

• Start : Astoria, OR
• End : Brookings, OR
• Distance : 340 miles

The Oregon Coast road trip is a 340-mile coastal drive following Highway 101 from Astoria to Brookings . It features unique and photogenic rock formations, small coastal towns and epic sunsets. You can also include excellent side trips to Silver Falls State Park and Crater Lake National Park.

We drove the top half of the Oregon Coast road trip route in October 2021. After photographing Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach at sunset, we toured the Tillamook cheese factory and drove through Tillamook State Forest to Portland. We’ll definitely be back to complete the southern half sometime soon.

• Cannon Beach
• Pacific City
• Samuel H Boardman

21. Outer Banks Scenic Byway

• Start : Nags Head, NC
• End : Beaufort, NC
• Distance : 138 miles

The Outer Banks Scenic Byway is a 138-mile long road trip following North Carolina Highway 12 between Nags Head and the intersection of US-70 and Merrimon Road near Beaufort . NC-12 is a narrow road flanked on both sides by the Atlantic Ocean and Pamlico Sound. It even includes two ferry rides.

We’ll be based in North Carolina in 2024 so we’ll definitely be driving the Outer Banks Scenic Byway as a priority once the weather is warmer. Our plan is to spend a few days lounging around on the beaches rather than rushing through it in a day.

• Wright Brothers National Memorial
• Jockey’s Ridge State Park
• Bodie Island Light Station
• Pea Island Wildlife Refuge
• Cape Hatteras
• Ocracoke Island

22. Overseas Highway

• Start : Monroe/Miami-Dade, FL
• End : Key West, FL
• Distance : 113 miles

The Overseas Highway is a 113-mile long road trip with 44 islands and 43 bridges connecting Key Largo to Key West in the Florida Keys. There’s lots to see and do on the islands, including scuba diving, nightlife and beaches.

You can easily include potential side trips to Miami, Everglades National Park and maybe even The Bahamas?

• Biscayne National Park
• Seven Mile Bridge
• Dry Tortugas National Park

23. Pacific Coast Highway

• Start : Olympia, WA
• End : San Diego, CA
• Distance : 1,600 miles

The Pacific Coast Highway is a 1,600-mile road trip from Olympia, WA to San Diego, CA . Highway 101 and Highway 1 hug the US west coast for its full length through Washington, Oregon and California. The PCH has lots of fantastic stopping points, including national parks and major bucket list US cities.

We’ve driven most of the Pacific Coast Highway across various itineraries. It’s a diverse and incredibly scenic route with potential for a wide range of excellent side trips. The lower California coastline is by far the most popular part, but it’s nice and quiet to the north of San Francisco.

• Olympic National Park
• Redwood National Park
• San Francisco
• Santa Barbara

24. Road To Hana

• Start : Mile Marker Zero (Route 360), HI
• End : Hana, HI
• Distance : 34 miles

The Road To Hana is a famous 34-mile one way road trip route in Maui, Hawaii . It’s a popular route with heavy traffic because it passes through beautiful natural areas, waterfalls, hiking trails and viewpoints. The best way for you to see Maui is to drive beyond Hana and complete a full loop of the island.

• Garden of Eden
• Honomanu Bay
• Waianapanapa State Park

25. Route 66

• Start : Chicago, IL
• End : Santa Monica, CA
• Distance : 2,400 miles

US Highway 66, also known as Route 66, is an iconic 2,400-mile long distance US road trip from Chicago, IL to Santa Monica, CA . Once known as America’s Highway, Route 66 passes through 8 states and 3 time zones.

It’s not what it once was, but Route 66 remains the most famous great American road trip. We would choose other long distance routes before this one, but if you’re feeling nostalgic or want to drive an old legend, Route 66 still has life left in it yet.

• Gemini Giant
• Petrified Forest National Park
• Santa Monica

26. Salt Lake City To Yellowstone

• Start : Salt Lake City, UT
• End : Salt Lake City, UT
• Distance : 750 miles

The Salt Lake City to Yellowstone road trip is a 750-mile loop through Jackson , Grand Teton and Yellowstone . SLC has the closest major international airport to both national parks, so this is a popular driving route with lots of variations depending on how many days you have available.

We’re huge fans of Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Ideally, you’ll have one day in Salt Lake City, one day driving to Jackson, 1.5 days in Grand Teton and 3.5 days in Yellowstone for a total of 7 days . With less time you could skip SLC, or take a day each from the parks. But with more time, we recommend you add places around SLC like Park City, Bonneville Salt Flats or hiking in the Wasatch Mountains.

• Temple Square
• Wasatch Mountains
• Bonneville Salt Flats
• Grand Teton
• Yellowstone

Further Reading: Salt Lake City to Yellowstone road trip itinerary

27. San Francisco To San Diego

• Start : San Francisco, CA
• Distance : 630 miles

The San Francisco to San Diego road trip is a 630-mile route following the most popular section of the Pacific Coast Highway between San Francisco and San Diego in California. It features bucket list US cities, golden sandy beaches, spectacular coastal views and many more natural attractions.

We spent 12 days driving from San Francisco to San Diego in November 2021. You should plan for 3-5 days just for the coastal stops, plus the amount of time you want to spend in each of San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego. Carmel, Big Sur and Santa Barbara were our favorite stops.

• Carmel-by-the-Sea

Further Reading : Best stops on a San Francisco to San Diego road trip

28. Southern Pacific

• Start : San Diego, CA
• End : Tybee Island, GA
• Distance : 2,671 miles

The Southern Pacific is a 2,900-mile long distance coast-to-coast road trip loosely following US Route 80 from San Diego, CA to Tybee Island, GA . It passes through 8 southern US states with stops at important historical and agricultural sites, national parks and major cities.

If you’re looking for a transcontinental route to drive in the winter months, this southern United States adventure could be perfect. It takes in some of the stops along the Deep South road trip but it also includes remote national parks in Texas and New Mexico.

• Guadalupe Mountain National Park
• Carlsbad Caverns National Park

29. US Route 20

• Start : Boston, MA
• End : Newport, OR
• Distance : 3,365 miles
• Days : 14-28

The US Route 20 road trip is a 3,365-mile long distance route following Highway 20 from Boston, MA to Newport, OR . It’s an attraction heavy cross-country route featuring national parks, major cities and various areas of outstanding beauty.

We’ve been to almost every major stopping point along Route 20 and we think it’s one of the best ways to travel east-west in America. There’s so much to see and it’s far more scenic than driving I-90. Trust us, we know!

• Watkins Glen
• Niagara Falls
• Indiana Dunes
• Silver Falls State Park

30. Zion To Bryce Canyon

• Start : Zion National Park, UT
• End : Bryce Canyon National Park, UT
• Distance : 87 miles

The Zion to Bryce Canyon road trip is a popular 87-mile loop from Las Vegas featuring two of the five Utah national parks. The major highlights in Zion and Bryce Canyon can be seen in just 2-4 days and there’s nothing to see in between so you won’t need any more time. Plan for more time in Zion if you’re a hiker and prioritize Bryce Canyon if you’re into photography.

We’ve spent 8 full days exploring Zion and 2 days in Bryce Canyon. We think they provide the perfect introduction to hiking and photography in Utah. Las Vegas airport gives you an easy, short and affordable loop route to both parks, so you can do it in a long weekend or midweek when it will be quieter.

• Angels Landing
• The Narrows
• Zion Canyon Overlook
• Kolob Canyons
• Bryce Canyon Amphitheater
• Queens Garden Navajo Loop

Further Reading : Zion to Bryce Canyon road trip itinerary

Our Top 5 USA Road Trips

It’s almost impossible for us to tell you what the best USA road trips are because it’s just too subjective . Our favorite might be your 5th favorite or 29th favorite. But for arguments sake, we’re going to show you our personal top 5 favorite USA road trips ranked in order.

• American Southwest
• New England fall foliage
• Mount Rushmore to Yellowstone
• San Francisco to San Diego
• Los Angeles to Las Vegas via Lake Tahoe

Don’t agree? Let us know your favorite American road trips in the comments below!

More From The US

• 50 best hikes in the USA
• 50 best places to visit in the USA
• 20 best national parks in the USA
• 20 best places to visit in Arizona
• 20 best places to visit in Utah
• 10 best places to visit in Vermont
• 10 best places to visit in Wyoming

More Road Trips

• Best road trip quotes
• Black Hills South Dakota
• Mt Rushmore to Yellowstone
• Salt Lake City to Yellowstone
• Utah road trip ideas
• Zion to Bryce Canyon

We hope this best USA road trips guide helps with planning your next American adventure!

Please let us know if you have any questions about this list in the comments box below.

Happy Travels ,

Mark and Kristen

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Note : This article contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

All Rights Reserved © Where Are Those Morgans, LLC. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, maps, graphics, etc.) in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.

Mark and Kristen Morgan are travel, hiking and photography experts. Over the last 6 years traveling full time, they have explored more than 40 countries and 30 US states.

Where Are Those Morgans has been featured in USA Today, Gestalten, Get Your Guide, CityPASS and Condé Nast Traveler along with various other publications. Read more about us .

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Matador Original Series

These 11 scenic byways are some of the most beautiful road trips you can take in the us.

I n “This Land is Your Land,” Woody Guthrie sang the words, “As I went walking that ribbon of highway / I saw above me that endless skyway.” If Guthrie was singing about some of the most beautiful ribbons of highway in the United States, there’s a good chance he was talking about one of the country’s scenic byways.

Cutting through prairies, grasslands, mountains, forests, and deserts, many of our scenic byways are not only modes of transport, but destinations in themselves. While highways are wide traffic-filled roads connecting major cities, byways tend to be narrower, secondary roads in more rural areas. The National Scenic Byways Program began in 1991 to promote roads of special aesthetic or cultural significance in one of six topics: archaeological, cultural, natural, historic, recreational, or scenic. Those that meet two or more criteria are designated “All-American Roads.”

2021 was the first year since 2009 that new routes have been added to the list of National Scenic Byways — for a total of 34 byways and 15 All-American Roads across 28 states — making now the best time to go out and explore them. And best of all, they can be done in a day or a long weekend depending on how many stops you want to take.

These are the byways to keep in mind for your next road trip.

1. Florida Keys Scenic Highway

Best time of year to go: Summer

Notable stops:

• John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Key Largo
• Anne’s Beach, Islamorada
• Seven Mile Bridge
• Bahia Honda State Park, Big Pine Key
• Mallory Square, Key West
• Ernest Heminway Home and Museum, Key West
• Southernmost Point Buoy, Key West
• Dry Tortugas National Park

Covering 110 miles of US Route 1 — which runs all the way down the East Coast from the Canadian border to the tip of Florida — this route connects some of the most coveted real estate in the Sunshine State. It stretches from Key Largo, the northernmost of the Florida Keys, to Key West, the southernmost point in the continental US. In between, drivers cross a network of bridges that cut between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico to island hop across one of the most breathtaking archipelagos in North America.

Beaches, reefs, and the parks that protect them — including John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and Bahia Honda State Park — are a big part of what brings travelers to this part of the country. But the Keys have plenty of cultural heritage too, with influences ranging from Cuban to Bahamian and historic sites like Fort Taylor, a 54-acre national historic landmark housing the world’s largest collection of Civil War weaponry and equipment. In the 1930s, author Ernest Hemingway bought a house across from the Key West Lighthouse, both of which are easily accessible from this scenic highway and Florida’s only All-American Road.

2. Red Rock Scenic Byway in Arizona

Best time of year to go: Fall

• Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village
• Airport Mesa
• Chapel of the Holy Cross
• Cathedral Rock
• Devil’s Bridge Trail
• Red Rock State Park
• Oak Creek Canyon

Central Arizona is the heartland of Red Rock Country, hence the name of this scenic byway that runs from artsy, spiritual Sedona through the hills of Coconino National Forest to a small community called the Village at Oak Creek. Spanning just 7.5 miles, the drive only takes about 30 minutes without stops, but the hiking here is too good to pass up.

Be sure to stop by the Red Rock Ranger District Visitor Center to map out all the best trails, especially the ones that take you up close and personal to world-famous sandstone formations like Chapel of the Holy Cross and Cathedral Rock. And if you really want to stretch out your visit, take your time soaking in Sedona’s spas, art galleries, gourmet restaurants, boutiques, and golf courses before or after exploring the many wonders of the Red Rock Scenic Byway.

3. Outer Banks Scenic Byway in North Carolina

Best time of year to go: Spring

• Cape Hatteras National Seashore
• Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
• Bodie Island Lighthouse
• Fort Raleigh National Historic Site
• Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
• Avon Fishing Pier
• Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
• Wright Brothers National Memorial

North Carolina’s Outer Banks is a chain of barrier islands that separates a trio of geographical sounds — Pamlico, Albemarle, and Currituck — from the Atlantic Ocean. Home to some of the first European settlements in the Americas, and a number of Indigenous populations before that, the region is steeped in history: the infamous Roanoke Colony mysteriously disappeared from Roanoke Island in 1587, Ocracoke Island was the final home of the pirate Blackbeard who died in 1718, and the Wright Brothers had their first controlled flight at Kill Devil Hills in 1903. The 138-mile Outer Banks Scenic Byway connects the islands starting in Dare County. The total drive time is about five and a half hours, complete with two ferry rides totaling roughly three and a half hours. (The first ferry from Hatteras to Ocracoke Island is free, while the second from Ocracoke to Cedar Island costs $15 per car.) Listen for the Ocracoke Brogue as you explore the region’s towns, beaches, lighthouses, and shipwrecks — the local dialect is vaguely reminiscent of 17th-century English.

4. San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway in Colorado

• Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
• Old Hundred Gold Mine
• Historic Strater Hotel
• Uncompahgre Gorge
• Mesa Verde National Park
• Chimney Rock national Monument
• Mount Sneffels
• Bridal Veil Falls

Driving the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway gets you a front-row seat to 236 miles of Rocky Mountains. The byway loops through several historic towns in southwestern Colorado that got their start as mining hubs, including Telluride, Durango, and Silverton. Surrounding these towns are the incomparable San Juan and Uncompahgre National Forests — there’s a reason the stretch of byway connecting Ouray to Silverton is called the Million Dollar Highway.

It’s hard to say when the best time to drive the byway is. Spring ushers in lemon-yellow wildflowers, while fall is awash in golden foliage. Thankfully, the area’s natural, archaeological, and cultural sites are explorable year-round, from Telluride’s waterfalls to the ancient cliff dwellings of nearby Mesa Verde National Park to the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.

5. Badlands Scenic Byway in South Dakota

• Notch Trailhead
• Big Badlands Overlook
• Saddle Pass Trailhead
• Fossil Exhibit Trailhead
• Panorama Point
• Sage Creek Rim Road
• Burns Basin Overlook
• Yellow Mounds Overlook
• Pinnacle Overlook

Rugged, ancient, and expansive, South Dakota’s badlands are a world unto themselves. Geologic wonders like buttes and spires rise overhead while the fossils of extinct species are buried deep beneath the grasslands. The Badlands Scenic Byway loops through Badlands National Park to showcase the best of the region, from wildlife like prairie dogs and buffalo to numerous hiking trails and 16 official scenic overlooks.

The byway itself is a relatively unremarkable two-lane road that stretches just 39 miles of South Dakota Highway 240. Though the drive technically only takes about an hour to complete, plan to dedicate several hours to the excursion. The photo opportunities alone can keep you busy for an entire day. We recommend starting your visit from the Badlands Northeast Entrance near Cactus Flat, as opposed to the Pinnacle Entrance near Wall, so you can map out an itinerary at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center before heading out.

6. Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway in Maine

• Rumford Falls
• Rangeley Lakes State Park
• Height of the Land
• Bald Mountain
• Coos Canyon
• Rangeley Outdoor Sporting Heritage Museum
• Small Falls Rest Area

Ever want to experience the Appalachian Trail without the grueling hike? Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway passes right through the trail’s Maine leg on State Routes 17, 16, and 4. The byway’s namesake water bodies are obvious highlights of the drive, particularly if you like to fish, but it’s the Height of the Land rest stop that offers the best vantage point. There, you can survey everything that makes this part of the state so pristine: lakes, islands, waterfalls, gorges, peaks, forests, campgrounds, and swimming holes, to name a few.

When you’re not knee deep in nature, stop by the charming towns of Rumford or Rangely for Victorian architecture, hearty meals, and museum visits. In between, swing by the Swift River to try your hand at gold panning. Better yet, visit in early October to participate in Rangeley Oktoberfest, a four-day festival with activities for both the drinkers and drivers in the group.

7. Scenic Byway 12 in Utah

• Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument
• Dixie National Forest
• Cottonwood Canyon
• Hole-in-the-Rock, Burr Trail
• Capitol Reef National Park
• Hell’s Backbone
• Bryce Canyon
• Anasazi State Park Museum

Stretching 122 miles from Panguitch to Torrey, Utah, Scenic Byway 12 connects US 89 with SR 24. It cuts right through the Dixie National Forest, offering views of the Henry Mountains, Grand Staircase-Escalante, and Capitol Reef National Park from the road’s 9,000-foot viewpoint. Scenic Byway 12 is also an All-American Road, a special designation meaning it has unique features you won’t find anywhere else in the country.

While the full drive takes just three hours, you could easily spend multiple days exploring the surrounding state and national parks, including Kodachrome Basin state park and Bryce Canyon national park. The road connects Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef national parks, passing through two red arches in Red Canyon, the surreal sandstone “stairs” of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and the meadows of Boulder Mountain.

8. Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway in New Mexico

• Wheeler Peak
• D.H. Lawrence Memorial
• Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park
• Artesanos de Questa
• Eagle Nest Lake
• Elizabethtown
• Angel Fire ski and shopping resort

The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway is a circular route that starts in Taos on NM 522, the home of the first Vietnam War memorial in the US. It runs through the hiking and camping areas of Cabresto Lake, Mallette Canyon, and Midnight Meadows, the old mining town of Red River – now known for its beautiful alpine scenery – then into Bobcat Pass and into the Moreno Valley, before finishing back in Taos.

The byway encircles Wheeler Peak, the highest mountain in New Mexico at 13,100 feet, and home to some of the oldest rocks in the southwest, dating back two billion years. One of the road’s most unique aspects are the many artist galleries and studios along the Taos Canyon stretch, as the area is home to a community of artists. Painting, pottery, bronze casting, and woodworking studios are open to the public, and you can watch the artists themselves at work.

9. North Shore Scenic Drive in Minnesota

• Great Lakes Aquarium, Duluth
• Grand Portage State Park
• Tettegouche State Park
• Grand Marais
• Split Rock Lighthouse

Skirting the north shore of Lake Superior, the North Shore Scenic Drive is a designated All-American Road as well as a Scenic Byway. It passes through a variety of small shoreline towns filled with boutique shops, art galleries, and local seafood restaurants, as well as eight state parks. Spanning 154 miles from Duluth to Two Harbors, the byway is defined by views of the lake, waterfalls, cliffs, forested hills, and wilderness streams.

Make sure to check out the Split Rock Lighthouse, dating back to 1910, the Grand Portage National Monument fur-trading post, and the picturesque harbor town of Grand Marais. If you’re looking to get out of your car and explore, Lutsen has a mountain biking park, and the Superior Hiking Trail offers 310-miles of hiking trails over the rocky ridges of Lake Superior.

10. Selma to Montgomery March Byway in Alabama

• Edmund Pettus Bridge
• National Voting Rights Museum and Institute
• Alabama State Capitol
• Dallas County Courthouse
• Cecil B. Jackson Public Safety Building
• First Baptist Church, Selma

This 54-mile byway marks one of the most significant routes in the history of the US Civil Rights movement, stretching from Selma to Montgomery. The first march in Selma began on March 7, 1965, to protest laws designed to keep Black people from voting, but was violently halted by police officers at the Edmund Pettus Bridge. Martin Luther King Jr. later led a group of protestors 54 miles, from the bridge in Selma to Montgomery. The march laid the groundwork for the passage of equal voting rights legislation.

Along the byway, you can visit the First Baptist Church and Brown Chapel – which served as gathering places for the Civil Rights movement effort – as well as the jail where Civil Rights activists were often imprisoned. Then there’s the Edmund Pettus Bridge and the steps of the Montgomery capitol building, where King spoke to a crowd of nearly 30,000.

11. Flint Hills National Scenic Byway in Kansas

• Kaw Mission State Historic Site and Museum
• Santa Fe Trail
• Old Cowboy Jail
• Post Office Oak and Museum
• Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
• Cottonwood Falls
• Roniger Native American Museum

From Council Grove to Cassoday in east central Kansas, the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway is defined by panoramic views of the tallgrass prairie. It’s surrounded by historic sites like Kaw Mission State Historic Site and Museum, the Santa Fe Trail, Old Cowboy Jail, and the Post Office Oak and Museum. The byway also passes through natural beauties like the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve and Cottonwood Falls.

The byway passes through one of the last remaining tallgrass prairies in the country, with much of the untouched land here looking exactly as it did centuries ago, when it belonged to the Osage and Kaw tribes. Today, you can immerse yourself in Native American history at Kaw National Heritage Park and the Roniger Native American Museum. Many towns along the route, especially Cassoday, are known for antique and artisan craft shops.

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These 16 Iconic Scenic Drives In The USA Will Fuel Your Wanderlust

Sarah McCosham

I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books. I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.

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America is a country of explorers. This spirit of adventure runs deep here in the U.S., a place comprised of 50 wholly unique states and an amazing melting pot of cultures. This drive to explore is quite literally a drive to explore , too, with the country connected by a series of the most scenic highways and byways, iconic bridges , and backcountry roads. Route 66 is obviously the epitome of the Great American Drive, but it’s by no means the only route worth traveling. Buckle up and get ready to explore; these bucket list road trips that are some of the best scenic drives in the USA and are sure to fuel your wanderlust — no matter how insatiable it might be.

Cross-Country Scenic Drives In America

Northeastern usa scenic drives, southern usa scenic drives, midwestern usa scenic drives, northwestern usa scenic drives, southwestern usa scenic drives, non-continental usa scenic drives.

Scenic drives are a metaphor for life. There’s Point A and Point B, and all the time in between. It’s obviously great to look ahead at what’s to come, but it’s just as important to, as they say, enjoy the ride. And the following cross-country scenic drives in America will undoubtedly have you enjoying the ride. Depending on which route you take, you’re looking at anywhere between 2,500 to 3,500 miles. So make a massive playlist and grab your favorite traveling BFFs — and be prepared to be totally dazzled by America the Beautiful.

1. Route 66

• Location : Route 66 spans 2,400 miles and crosses eight states.
• Can't Miss Pit Stop : Attractions abound along the Mother Road, from the Route 66 Association Hall of Fame & Museum in Illinois to the Trail of Tears Memorial in Jerome to the Acoma Pueblo in New Mexico.
• Where to Stay En-Route : Accommodations abound along the Mother Road, and we suggest stopping for the night in Oklahoma at this quaint bungalow cottage .

2. The Great River Road

• Location : The Great River Road National Scenic Byway follows the course of the Mississippi River for 3,000 miles from northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico.
• Can't Miss Pit Stop : Where to begin? Attractions along Great River Road include Chain of Rocks Bridge, Buffalo Bill Museum, Fort Snelling, and quirky roadside attractions such as the World's Largest Six Pack and Field of Dreams Movie site!
• Where to Stay En-Route : Accommodations abound along The Great River Road, and this cozy Mississippi cabin would make a wonderful place to rest after a day of driving.

The Northeast is such a treasure. In addition to being undeniably beautiful, there are lots of states packed into a relatively small region, making it possible to pack a whole lot of scenic punch in a short amount of time. Whether you choose to take a leaf-peeping trip in the fall or admire covered bridges come spring and summer, the following scenic drives in the Northeastern USA are sure to capture your heart.

3. Kancamagus Highway - New Hampshire

• Location : Rt. 112 in Northern New Hampshire
• Can't Miss Pit Stop : Two words: fall foliage.
• Where to Stay En-Route : Stay in a gorgeous mountain home in the heart of New Hampshire's White Mountains.

4. Mohawk Trail - Massachusetts

• Location : Western Massachusetts
• Can't Miss Pit Stop : The (in)famous Hairpin Turn!
• Where to Stay En-Route : We can't think of a more charming place to stay than this historic cottage .

5. Ocean Drive - Rhode Island

• Location : Ocean Drive is a 10-mile stretch along the southern coastline of Rhode Island's Aquidneck Island.
• Can't Miss Pit Stop : Brenton Point State Park
• Where to Stay En-Route : Accommodations are plentiful in this area, with rentals like this oceanfront home letting folks sit back and soak up the scenery.

The American South is truly beautiful. Marshes and swamps, shorelines and canyons, mountains and rivers, and history — there’s a lot to see in the South. The following scenic drives in the South boast all of the above — and more — and we promise you’ll emerge with a newfound appreciation for all this region has to offer.

6. Blue Ridge Parkway - Virginia and North Carolina

• Location : The parkway, which is America's longest linear park, runs for 469 miles through 29 Virginia and North Carolina counties, linking Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
• Can't Miss Pit Stop : The Linn Cove Viaduct is a Blue Ridge icon!
• Where to Stay En-Route : Accommodations abound along the Blue Ridge Parkway and this rustic cabin is the coziest place to break for the night!

7. U.S. Highway 1 - Florida

• Location : The Florida portion of U.S. Highway 1 spans 574 and runs from Key West all the way to its crossing of the St. Marys River into Georgia.
• Can't Miss Pit Stop : Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island
• Where to Stay En-Route : Accommodations abound along U.S. Highway 1 in Florida, such as this Luxurious Newly Renovated Amelia Island Plantation .

There’s a saying that the Midwest is Best , yet many dismiss this part of the country as “flyover” territory. Don’t make that mistake. The Midwest might be the most underrated region of the USA, and on the following scenic drives, you’ll see some truly extraordinary landscapes sure to leave you speechless.

8. North Shore Scenic Drive - Minnesota

• Location : North Shore Scenic Drive is a 154-mile stretch between Duluth and the Canadian border along Lake Superior.
• Can't Miss Pit Stop : Gooseberry Falls, Split Rock Lighthouse, Tettegouche State Park, Temperance River State Park, Silver Bay, and Grand Marais.
• Where to Stay En-Route : Stay right on the water in the ridiculously charming Superior's Edge cottage.

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The Northwest and Pacific Northwest part of the USA is a wonderland filled with old-growth forests, shockingly blue alpine lakes, majestic mountains, and even high deserts and temperate rainforests. Revel in the resplendence of this region with the following scenic drives through the Northwestern USA:

9. Olympic Peninsula Loop - Washington

• Location : Olympic National Park in Washington
• Can't Miss Pit Stop : Hoh Rain Forest, La Push, Ruby Beach, Hurricane Ridge and Lake Crescent... this 329-mile route cruises past some of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the USA.
• Where to Stay En-Route : Hoh Valley Hideaway is a postcard-perfect little green rental located near Hoh Rain Forest.

10. Highway 101 - Oregon

• Location : Highway 101 runs all 363 miles of the Oregon Coast.
• Can't Miss Pit Stop : There are so many lighthouses and natural wonders along this trip, so we're switching it up and directing you to Pronto Pup, home of the original corn dog!
• Where to Stay En-Route : Accommodations abound along Highway 101 in Oregon, but this Luxury House on Cannon Beach is hard to pass up.

11. Pacific Coast Highway - California, Oregon, and Washington

• Location : California, Oregon, and Washington.
• Can't Miss Pit Stop : The California stretch of this highway is a case study in American icons: Golden Gate Park, Santa Cruz, Big Sur, Morro Bay, Hollywood...buckle up and enjoy the ride!
• Where to Stay En-Route : Channel Old Hollywood glam when you book a night at this SoCal cottage with views of Griffith Observatory .

12. Going-to-the-Sun Road - Montana

• Location : This 50-mile route in Montana traverses through the heart of the Rockies.
• Can't Miss Pit Stop : This drive truly is about the dashboard views: impressive glaciers, beautiful valleys, cascading waterfalls, towering mountains, colorful wildflowers, and loads of wildlife make this road a total sensory experience.
• Where to Stay En-Route : If your manta is "go big or go home," then you really can't get any more luxurious and bucket-list-worthy than this Glacier Park Mountain Home .

Over in the Southwest, hoodoos, sand dunes, and rock formations come together to create some of the most otherworldly landscapes in the USA. Immerse yourself in these wholly wondrous worlds on the following scenic drives through the Southwestern USA:

13. 17 Mile Drive - California

• Location : 17 Mile Drive is a scenic road through Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove on the Monterey Peninsula in California.
• Can't Miss Pit Stop : The Lone Cypress, Pebble Beach, and Spanish Bay.
• Where to Stay En-Route : Accommodations abound in this cozy corner of California, and this classic SoCal home is just one block from 17 Mile Drive.

14. San Juan Scenic Byway - Colorado

• Location : The San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway covers 236 miles of terrain across southwestern Colorado, passing through towns such as Durango, Mancos, Dolores, Stoner, and Rico.
• Can't Miss Pit Stop : Embrace mountain town living when you visit places like Durango, Silverton, Telluride, and Ouray.
• Where to Stay En-Route : Accommodations abound along this part of Colorado, and this Luxury Condo in Telluride would make a great "home base" for your adventures!

The Lower 48 tends to get the attention when it comes to bucket lists, especially with scenic drives, as exploring the non-continental USA requires multiple forms of transportation. While you can’t just “pack up and go” to Alaska or Hawaii, you can — and should — add the following non-continental scenic drives to your bucket list, because they traverse some truly exceptional and exceptional parts of the USA… and the world!

15. Dalton Highway - Alaska

• Location : The Dalton Highway runs for 414 miles from Livengood, a small community 80 miles north of Fairbanks, to Deadhorse on the shores of the Arctic Ocean.
• Can't Miss Pit Stop : Where to even begin? Denali National Park, the Arctic National Wildlife Reserve, the Northern Lights... there's no shortage of spectacular dashboard views on this Alaska highway.
• Where to Stay En-Route : Gaze at the elusive Northern Lights when you book a night at the charming and cozy Aurora Cabin A .

16. Hana Highway - Hawaii

• Location : Hana Highway is a 64.4-mile-long stretch of Hawaii Routes 36 and 360 which connects Kahului to the town of Hana in east Maui.
• Can't Miss Pit Stop : If you're into bridges and jaw-dropping scenery, Hana Highway has both in spades: there are over 50 bridges and some of the most vibrant and jaw-droppingly gorgeous landscapes along this stretch of road.
• Where to Stay En-Route : There's no shortage of amazing accommodations along Hana Highway, and Areca Suite is as adorable as it is affordable!

From coast to coast (and everything in between), America is one big map of road trip adventures. The only question is: which one of these bucket list road trips and best scenic drives in the USA will you tackle first?

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Best scenic drives in the usa.

How long does it take to drive across America?

Looking for the Great American Road Trip? Get ready for some serious car time. It takes about 45 hours (or six days) if you're averaging eight hours a day, to drive coast-to-coast across America. 

What are the must-see places on a USA road trip?

Looking for iconic places to see on your next USA road trip? In addition to the sites and points of interest listed above, the American Discovery Trail is an epic  tour de force of some of the country's most marvelous places and natural wonders, including:

• Cape Henlopen State Park - Delaware
• Harpers Ferry - West Virginia
• Hocking Hills State Park - Ohio
• Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial - Indiana
• Garden of the Gods Wilderness - Illinois
• The Gateway Arch - St. Louis, Missouri
• Arches National Park - Utah
• Virginia City - Nevada
• Muir Woods National Monument - California
• Golden Gate Bridge - California

What are the best states in America for scenic drives?

Here at OnlyInYourState, we have big love for ALL 50 states, and, as you can see in the above list of scenic adventures. However, in terms of states that pack a major punch in the scenic drives department, we recommend Oregon. Why? Well, the Beaver State's scenery is unrivaled, taking road trippers from coast to high desert, canyons to valleys. Some scenic drives in Oregon you'll want to check out include:

• Three Capes Scenic Loop
• Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
• Historic Columbia River Highway
• Painted Hills Scenic Byway

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21 Best Road Trips in USA to Put on Your Bucket List

• In the City / North America / Outdoors / USA

Don’t miss out on these amazing road trips!

Since we got married, we’ve done five cross-country road trips and dozens of shorter ones. In our opinion, road-tripping is the best way to see the beauty of the United States. There is so much this country has to offer. Here is a list of 21 American Road Trips that we think everyone needs to put on their bucket lists.

This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. All opinions are always our own. Read our full disclosure  for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.

Last Updated: March 5, 2024

− − Content Menu

• 21 Best Road Trips in USA
• Map of Best Road Trips in USA
• More Scenic Road Trips to Check Out
• Essential Tips for First Timers

Planning Checklist

• More Resources

Whether you love the mountains, want to drive above the clouds, or cruise over the ocean, there’s a road trip for you. Here are 21 of the best road trips in the United States. Let us know in the comments below if there are more we should add to the list.

1. Pacific Coast Highway →

Location:  California    |    Distance:  123 Miles

Enjoy the endless views of the ocean and drive through some of the best beach towns on California’s Route 1. Don’t forget to stop at Hearst Castle, spend some time in  Big Sur   (one of our favorite places in the US), and Glass Beach in Fort Bragg.

Local Tip: Check the news to see if there are any big events occurring. We’ve done this road trip a handful of times with no issues, but the last time we went, there was a bike race, and we were stuck in traffic for hours.

See More: The Ultimate California Coast Road Trip

2. Historic Route 66

Location:  Illinois to  California    |    Distance:  2,451 Miles

Route 66 is one of the most iconic drives in America. The best stretch of this highway runs from the  Grand Canyon  to the Colorado River. To dive into the history, visit the Route 66 Association Hall of Fame & Museum in Pontiac, Illinois.

Local Tip: Unfortunately they’ve painted over most of the Route 66 signs on the road because it was dangerous for people to try to take photos with it. Apparently, some still exist, but we haven’t found them yet.

See More: Your Ultimate Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Road Trip

3. Overseas Highway

Location:   Florida    |    Distance:  120 Miles

We just came back from a trip to the Keys and ended up driving the Overseas Highway. It was unbelievably beautiful.

Unlike any other drive in the country, this route takes you on bridges right over the ocean. It gives you the sensation of floating over the water. Plus, the  Florida Keys  ain’t a bad destination either.

See More: 7+ Remarkable Things to Do in Key West Florida

4. Million Dollar Highway (San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway)

L ocation:  Colorado    |    Distance:  305 Miles

Twist and turn through the winding roads between two historic gold-mining towns. Take in the amazing views and don’t forget to take deep breaths as you’ll be over two miles above sea level.

5. Columbia River Scenic Highway →

L ocation:  Oregon    |    Distance:  75 Miles

See the amazing Columbia Gorge on a highway built purely for scenery. This drive gives you views of waterfalls and mountains, and there are plenty of pull-offs. Here are  21 best hikes in the Columbia River Gorge from short and easy day hikes to multi-day backpacking trips .

Local Tip: Part of the charm of this area is the rainy weather. Come prepared with  solid waterproof boots  and a  raincoat  ; the hikes are magical.

See More: 21 Best Hikes in the Columbia River Gorge Oregon

6. Skyline Drive

L ocation:  Virginia    |    Distance:  105 Miles

This scenic drive takes you along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park. Drive through the Appalachians and stop to enjoy any of the 75 overlooks.

7. Hana Highway (Road to Hana) →

L ocation:  Maui, Hawaii   |    Distance:  51.1 Miles

Explore the coastlines of Maui along the Hana Highway. You’ll find black sand beaches, waterfalls, jungles, and roadside stands. Don’t forget to bring your bathing suit!

See More: 19 Incredible Road to Hana Stops You Shouldn’t Miss

8. Black RIver Scenic Byway

L ocation:  Michigan    |    Distance:  11 Miles

Tucked away in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the Black River Scenic Byway has much to offer in a short distance. Pass by waterfalls and dense forests as you follow the river to the lakeshore.

9. The Loneliest Road in America (HWY 50) →

L ocation:  Nevada    |    Distance:  408 Miles

Named for the largely uninhabited region that you drive through, explore mining camps, cross mountain ranges, and stop in small cafes. Don’t forget to look up at the stars at night for some of the most spectacular views.

See More: Ultimate Nevada Road Trip – Best Places to Visit in NV

10. Route 12

L ocation:  Utah    |    Distance:  124 Miles

Drive through some of the most breathtaking views and explore Capitol Reef National Park and  Bryce Canyon National Park . You can even stop in  Boulder Mountain for a night’s stay  and a great meal.

See More: 15 Amazing Things To Do in Bryce Canyon National Park

11. Kancamagus Highway

L ocation:  New Hampshire    |    Distance:  34.5 Miles

Make a trip down this highway in the fall to get some of the best fall foliage views. Enjoy the crisp breeze with your windows down and take in all the colors of the leaves.

The first time we did this drive, we missed the peak of the fall foliage by one day. The rain and wind the day before we arrived took out most of the leaves.

12. THe High Road to Taos

L ocation:  New Mexico    |    Distance:  56 Miles

This scenic, winding road takes you through deserts, mountains, forests, and ancient Indian pueblos. You’ll find beautiful wildflower meadows and there are art galleries scattered throughout the drive. You can also take the Low Road through the valleys on the way back.

13. Beartooth Highway

L ocation:  Montana and Wyoming    |    Distance:  68 Miles

Drive through southwest Montana and northwest Wyoming with breathtaking views of the Absoroka and Beartooth Mountains. You’ll drive by glacial lakes, forests, waterfalls, and wildlife. To top it off, you end at the entrance to  Yellowstone National Park .

See More: Best Things to Do in Yellowstone National Park + Essential Tips For Your Visit

14. Highway 2

L ocation:  Nebraska    |    Distance:  200 Miles

See the Great Plains of Nebraska and the rolling sandhills that makeup nearly one-fourth of the state. You’ll also see huge farmlands, marshes, and winding rivers. Certain times of the year will bring huge numbers of migrating birds too.

15. ROute 6

L ocation:  Massachusetts    |    Distance:  117 Miles

Explore the Cape Cod area on this scenic drive. Drive through forests, colonial villages, and tidal pools, and explore the harbor.

16. Park Loop Road →

L ocation:  Maine    |    Distance:  27 Miles

This coastal drive gives you views of Acadia National Park and is one of the best places for spotting bald eagles and peregrine. You’ll get amazing views from above but also from the harbor below.

See More: 15 Incredible Things to Do in Acadia National Park

17. Going to the Sun Road →

L ocation:  Montana    |    Distance:  50 Miles

This drive through Glacier National Park gives you views of mountain peaks and alpine lakes while having the least negative impact on the delicate environment.

Local Tip: It closes every winter because of snow, which can reach up to 80 feet in depth. When we went in late June, they had just opened the road the week before.

See More: What You Need to Know Before Visiting Glacier National Park

18. Tail of the Dragon

L ocation:  Tennessee and North Carolina    |    Distance:  11 Miles

This drive is more about the drive and less about the scenery. Known for its degree of difficulty and sheer excitement when driving, the Tail of the Dragon is full of sharp curves, twists, and turns that demand your full attention.

19. Route 100

L ocation:  Vermont    |    Distance:  216 Miles

Route 100 runs through almost the entirety of Vermont and takes you right through the center. See the fall foliage, stop for ice cream, and enjoy the views of the lush mountains.

20. Cascade Loop →

L ocation:  Washington    |    Distance:  400 Miles

See rainforests, apple orchards, beautiful lakes, small towns, and more on this 400-mile loop that takes you through some of the best of what Washington has to offer.

See More: 7 Best Things to Do in North Cascades National Park

21. Mount Washington Auto Road

Location:  New Hampshire   |    Distance:  8 Miles

This short drive climbs nearly 5,000 feet allowing you to stop at viewpoints, see waterfalls, and gaze out at sprawling meadows. The end offers a spectacular view from above.

Bonus: Cross Country Road Trip

There’s no better way to see the country than to drive across it. There are many different routes to take, but if you’re ambitious, check out  this road trip plan  that was computed to be the most optimal way across the United States.

Map of Great American Road Trips

More US Road Trip Ideas for Your Bucket List

• 17-Mile Drive, CA
• Alaska Highway, AK
• Big Island Loop Road, HI
• Black Hills, SD
• Bluebonnet Trail, TX
• Blues Highway (Route 61), TN
• Blue Ridge Parkway, NC
• Great River Road, LA
• Highway 143, TN
• Historic National Road, MD
• Lake Shore Drive, IL
• Maine Lobster Trail, ME
• North Shore Drive, MN
• Ocean Drive, RI
• Olympic Peninsula, WA
• Oregon Coast, OR
• Outer Banks Scenic Byway, NC
• Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, MI
• Silverado Trail, CA
• Trail Ridge Road, CO
• Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, CA

Essential Tips

• Take your time! These trips are all about the journey so enjoy the views and pullouts. Don’t try to cover too much ground each day.
• Avoid getting stranded in the middle of nowhere, have a  car emergency kit  ready to go.
• Stay safe on the road by picking up a  dash cam .
• Stay hydrated by bringing enough water and beverages with you. These  insulated water bottles  will keep your drinks cool (or hot). These are the best water bottles for travel we tested on the road.
• Bring a few extra bags to collect garbage in the car.
• We love having  this cooler  with us on our road trips. Helps us keep anything we need cold.
• It’s always good to have a  physical road map  with you just in case you lose service.
• Worried about bathroom stops, we always have  these handy  in our car in case we just can’t hold it anymore.  Wet wipes  are always handy too.
• Get comprehensive insurance for your trip.
• Download these helpful language apps .
• Arrange a rental car for your trip.
• Get airport lounge access .
• Buy a travel charger to keep your devices charged.
• Get a new backpack for your trip.
• Pack the appropriate shoes for your trip.
• Don’t forget your in-flight essentials .

More RESOURCES

• Rand McNally Road Atlas
• The Open Road: 50 Best Road Trips in the USA
• USA Travel Guide

Can you think of any other road trips in the US to be added to this list? What’s the best road trip you’ve been on?

Did you enjoy this post? Pin it for later

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“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes ” – M. Proust

Esther + Jacob

Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.

Follow on Instagram (E + J) , YouTube , TikTok , and Pinterest.

This Post Has 6 Comments

Amazing link – thank you! But you missed one of the top 5 – Rocky Mountain National Park – the Great Divide. That is breathtaking! I’ve been to many of the above listed destinations and believe Colorado’s Eastern as well as the Western (the Million Dollar Highway between Ouray and Silverton) slopes have much to offer.

We have been fortunate to have driven on half of these. Route 12 in Utah and Beartooth stand out. And the Tail of the Dragon was sheer fun. But the Going to the Sun Road was in my opinion, the most scenic, plus fun to drive and in the middle of my favorite National Park. Hope to get back there some day

That’s one of our faves too!

All of these sound amazing! Glad Acadia made your list – there are lots of other scenic drives in Maine as well (the western part of the state is gorgeous!). And I’ve only done parts of Skyline Drive but I can attest that it is absolutely incredible. I would love to do a cross country road trip one day though! Life goals. :)

I’ve been n a few. And the ones I have been on I want to do again!!!

What a great post! We need more like this. There are hundreds of posts on must visit places but not enough on must do road trips! These certainly look like some awesome places.

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The best train rides in the USA for seriously gorgeous views

From coastal routes to journeys through the mountains, these train rides spotlight all of America's most stunning scenery.

From redwood groves to sprawling desert landscapes to miles of picturesque countryside, America has no shortage of stunning scenery across its 50 states. One of the best ways to take in all the beauty is by hopping aboard a train. 

While a road trip through America is always a great choice to see the country's sights, we'd argue train travel is even better. Not only is riding  on a train a timeless experience with notes of romance and nostalgia, but there's no airport stress or need to be at attention behind the wheel. Instead,  you can sit back, relax and simply stare out the window as you take it all in. 

Below, you'll find the best and most scenic train rides across the country. On the West Coast, take in ocean views aboard the Coast Starlight (from Los Angeles to Seattle ) or the Surfliner, which hugs the California coast for miles. On the East Coast, the Mount Washington Cog Railway takes you through the Mount Washington area in New Hampshire. Looking for something even more adventurous? Head to Alaska  to catch the Denali Star’s 350-mile trek from Fairbanks to Anchorage.

Whether you're looking for a multi-day adventure or a route that only lasts a few hours, these train rides won't disappoint.

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Best train rides in the USA

1.  rockies to the red rocks.

Denver, CO to Moab, UT

Trip length: Two days

The first U.S. offering from luxury Canadian company Rocky Mountaineer, the ' Rockies to the Red Rocks ' trip takes passengers on a two-day ride from Denver to Moab—passing through stunning Rocky Mountains and southwest scenery along the way. Best of all? Passengers will witness all that gorgeous nature from the train's glass-dome top! That's right, we're talking about unobstructed views of some of the most gorgeous scenery in the USA . The 2024 season runs from April 14 through October 9.

2.  Coast Starlight

Los Angeles, CA to Seattle, WA

Trip length: 36 hours

Traveling by train instead puts a spin on the classic left-coast road trip. The advantages? There are zero wrong-turn fights and way more photo ops. The 1,377-mile Coast Starlight route hits the best of the West: Santa Barbara, San Francisco, Sacramento, Portland, and more. On the 36-hour trip, bounce from your seat to the dining car and the 'sightseer lounge car,' where all the seats face the panoramic, floor-to-ceiling windows. 

3.  Pacific Surfliner

San Diego, CA to San Luis Obispo, CA

Trip length: 8-9 hours

If you're looking for a train ride with ocean views, you can't beat Amrak's Pacific Surfliner , which travels along a 351-mile route, many of the trip is directly along the California coast. The route starts out in San Diego before meandering up through Anaheim, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and other stops before ending in San Luis Obispo in the central part of the state. 

4.  The Grand Canyon Railway

Williams, AZ to the Grand Canyon, AZ

Trip length: 2 hours 15 minutes

Sure, you may have been to the Grand Canyon already, but have you ever admired Grand Canyon country by train? On The Grand Canyon Railway , you’ll depart from Williams, Arizona, and roll through pine forests and prairies, spotting pronghorn and bald eagles, before arriving two hours and 15 minutes later at the epic South Rim. All of the historic cars of the Grand Canyon Railway have fascinating former lives and some have glass-dome ceilings for unstoppable panoramas. 

5.  The Empire Builder

Chicago, IL to Portland, OR

Trip length: 45–46 hours

There is only one word to describe this journey: epic. The Empire Builder runs daily between Chicago and the Pacific Northwest, mirroring much of Lewis and Clark’s original expedition. It passes through a greatest-hits list of must-see sites, from the urban (St. Cloud and Minneapolis) to the great outdoors (big-sky country and Glacier National Park ). The trip totals 46 hours, which warrants booking at least a roomette with seats that convert to beds so you can fully stretch out once you’ve gotten your fill of landscapes under the moonlight. 

6.  The Alaska Denali Star

Anchorage, AK to Fairbanks, AK

Trip length: 12 hours

This 350-mile stretch through the heart of Alaska highlights the state's beautiful, rugged wilderness. Between the birch forests, rushing rivers, caribou- and bear-spotting, views of Mt. McKinley and a stint through Denali National Park, there’s a reason this is the Alaska Railroad ’s flagship sojourn. If you can swing it, splurge on a GoldStar upgrade and take in the spectacular scenery from an open-air viewing car, with absolutely nothing between you and the wild. 

7.  Skunk Train

Willits, CA

Trip length: 2 hours

Hopping aboard  Skunk Train  is like traveling back in time—this historic train has been traversing Mendocino County in California since 1885. Today, you can choose from a variety of routes and experiences. The most popular journey is Wolf Tree Turn. This 16-mile route will take you through old-growth redwood groves within Noyo River Canyon, over trestle bridges, and under tunnels, ending with a stop in Crowley, where you can take in the majesty of one of the oldest trees in the area, the Wolf Tree. Enjoy snacks and beverages (including alcoholic ones) before heading back toward Willits.

8.  The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Bryson City, NC

Trip length: 3.5 hours

It may be pint-size, but Bryson City, the departure point for this rail-riding adventure, is rich with local gems like barbecue joints, a soda fountain and a brewery. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad has various routes, but the four-and-a-half-hour Nantahala Gorge excursion is a scenery-serving star, snaking along the forested Nantahala River and crossing the Fontana Lake by bridge. Foliage lovers, take note: The leaves here are breathtaking during the fall.

9.  The Mount Washington Cog Railway

Bretton Woods, NH

Trip length: 3 hours

Like the Little Engine That Could, this antique train chugs daily up Mount Washington , depositing its passengers at the 6,288-foot peak, the highest in the Northeast. A working museum of sorts (the track dates to 1852), the Cog has the elevated feel of a gondola, only you’re in a sturdy little train. At the top, take in the sweeping views of Canada and the Atlantic on a clear day. 

10.  The Napa Valley Wine Train

Napa Valley, CA

Trip length: 3 to 6 hours on average

On this California Wine Country track, you can get intoxicated by the scenery alone: picture-perfect wineries and hills carpeted in lush rows of vines. But you’ll have a little help, what with all the vino you’ll be sipping alongside your onboard multicourse meal—both lunch and dinner are options. The roving restaurant aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train comprises a collection of vintage Pullman railcars complete with mahogany panels and brass hardware. So go ahead and soak it all up—you’re not behind the wheel, after all.

11.  California Zephyr

Emeryville, CA to Reno, NV

Trip length: 6 hours 45 minutes

At more than 2,400 miles long, the  California Zephyr —stretching from San Francisco to Chicago—is Amtrak's longest route. While we don't recommend you do the route in its entirety (unless that floats your boat), we highly recommend the route stretching from the Bay Area (hop on in San Francisco or Emeryville) to the Lake Tahoe area (get off in Reno or Truckee). This scenic journey is an ideal way to get to Tahoe, beat the traffic, and take in dreamy views.  

12.  The Hawaiian Railway Society

Trip length: 1.5 hours

Train travel takes a turn for the tropical on this 90-minute jaunt across Oahu in an old sugar-cane hauler traveling at the lickety-split speed of 15 miles an hour. The ride aboard the Hawaiian Railway Society shows you a rarely-seen version of Hawaii, filled with old sisal plantations and ghost towns. Time your trip for the second Sunday of the month and you can book a seat in the elegant 1900 parlor car that was the personal ride of Oahu Railway & Land Co. founder Mr. Dillingham. It's worth noting, however, that reservations are now required to ride the train. 

13.  Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad

Durango, CO to Silverton, CO

Trip length: 3.5 hours

One of the most scenic ways to experience one of the most scenic states; a ride on the Narrow Gauge Railroad isn’t merely photo fodder, but a full immersion into the wild, wild west. The train has been rolling between Durango and Silverton since 1882, when it was tasked with transporting silver and gold out of the San Juan Mountains. The 45.4-mile route runs in both directions along the Animas River, crisscrossing it five times, and passing by old stagecoach trails and long-deserted mining camps as it winds between 14,000ft high peaks.

14.  The Ethan Allen Express

New York City, NY to Burlington, VT

Trip length: 7 hours 35 minutes

While the destination is a major draw, getting there is half the fun on this five-and-a-half-hour journey from New York City to Vermont. On the Ethan Allen Express , you’ll cruise through the postcard-perfect towns of New York’s Hudson Valley; hit Saratoga Springs, as famous for its horse races as its hot springs and snake around Vermont’s fittingly named Green Mountains, before landing in charming little-big city Rutland, with its historic downtown and one helluva farmers' market.

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Discover the Best Routes for Fall Foliage, Adventure, and Scenic Views

August 16th, 2024

Skyblue Overland may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article.

Explore the best autumn road trips in North America, featuring stunning fall foliage, scenic drives, and unique adventures. Discover routes through the Blue Ridge Parkway, Pacific Coast Highway, and more for unforgettable experiences.

As the air turns crisp and the landscape is painted in hues of gold, red, and orange, autumn presents the perfect opportunity for a road trip. The changing leaves, cooler temperatures, and harvest season create an ideal backdrop for adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned road tripper or planning your first journey, autumn is the time to hit the road and explore some of the most breathtaking routes in North America. Here are the best road trips for fall, each offering a unique blend of scenic views, adventure, and cultural experiences.

1. Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina

Distance: 469 miles Highlights: Shenandoah National Park, Great Smoky Mountains, Appalachian Mountains, vibrant fall foliage, charming mountain towns

The Blue Ridge Parkway is often referred to as “America’s Favorite Drive,” and for good reason. Stretching from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina, this route offers some of the most stunning autumn scenery in the country. The road winds through the Appalachian Mountains, providing endless opportunities to witness the changing leaves in all their glory.

Must-See Stops:

• Shenandoah National Park: Start your journey in Shenandoah, where you can hike portions of the Appalachian Trail or take a scenic drive along Skyline Drive.
• Mabry Mill: A historic gristmill, Mabry Mill is one of the most photographed spots on the Parkway. Visit in late October for peak foliage.
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park: End your trip in the Smokies, where you can explore the park’s diverse ecosystems and catch a glimpse of elk in Cataloochee Valley.

Best Time to Visit: Late September to mid-October for peak foliage in Virginia; mid-October to early November in North Carolina.

Motorcycle riders enjoy a colorful Fall day on The Blue Ridge Parkway.

2. The Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire

Distance: 34.5 miles Highlights: White Mountain National Forest, waterfalls, covered bridges, panoramic vistas

The Kancamagus Highway, or “The Kanc,” is a short but spectacular drive through the heart of New Hampshire’s White Mountains. This route is famous for its brilliant fall foliage, which blankets the surrounding hillsides in vibrant colors. Despite its relatively short distance, the Kancamagus Highway offers numerous stops for hiking, photography, and enjoying the natural beauty of the region.

• Sabbaday Falls: A short hike leads to this picturesque waterfall, surrounded by colorful foliage in the fall.
• Rocky Gorge Scenic Area: This spot offers stunning views of the Swift River and surrounding mountains, particularly during peak leaf season.
• Albany Covered Bridge: A classic New England covered bridge, perfect for a quick photo stop.

Best Time to Visit: Early to mid-October for peak foliage.

Autumn landscape: winding road, vibrant foliage, serene lake, majestic mountains on Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire

3. Pacific Coast Highway, California

Distance: 655 miles Highlights: Big Sur, Redwoods, coastal cliffs, ocean views, charming seaside towns

While the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is a stunning drive year-round, autumn brings a unique charm to this iconic route. Stretching from Dana Point in Southern California to Leggett in the north, the PCH offers a diverse range of landscapes, from sandy beaches to towering redwoods. Fall is an ideal time to explore this route, as the summer crowds have diminished, and the weather remains pleasant.

• Big Sur: Arguably the most scenic stretch of the PCH, Big Sur offers dramatic cliffs, secluded beaches, and the famous Bixby Creek Bridge.
• Monterey: Explore the historic Cannery Row and visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium, one of the best in the world.
• Redwood National and State Parks: End your trip among the ancient giants of the redwood forests, where you can hike among some of the tallest trees on Earth.

Best Time to Visit: September to November for mild weather and fewer tourists.

Highway 1 running along Pacific coast in California.

4. Great River Road, Mississippi River

Distance: 3,000 miles (divided into segments) Highlights: Mississippi River views, historic towns, cultural sites, diverse landscapes

The Great River Road follows the course of the Mississippi River, offering a journey through the heart of America. While the entire route spans 10 states and over 3,000 miles, you can choose shorter segments to explore during the fall. This road trip offers a mix of scenic beauty, cultural heritage, and history, making it a perfect choice for those looking to delve into the essence of the American Midwest and South.

• Wisconsin’s Driftless Area: Explore the rolling hills and valleys of this unique region, known for its wineries and small towns.
• St. Louis, Missouri: Visit the Gateway Arch and explore the vibrant neighborhoods of this historic city.
• Natchez, Mississippi: Discover the antebellum homes and rich history of this charming Southern town.

Best Time to Visit: Late September to early November for a mix of fall foliage and cultural festivals.

Bike path along the Great River road beneath the bluffs in illinois.

5. The Adirondack Mountains, New York

Distance: Various routes through the park Highlights: Lake Placid, High Peaks, charming villages, outdoor activities, vibrant fall colors

The Adirondack Mountains offer some of the best fall foliage in the Northeast, with a variety of scenic drives crisscrossing the region. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely drive or an outdoor adventure, the Adirondacks have something for everyone. The region is dotted with charming towns, pristine lakes, and rugged peaks, making it an ideal destination for an autumn road trip.

• Lake Placid: Home to two Winter Olympics, Lake Placid offers a mix of history, outdoor activities, and stunning scenery.
• Whiteface Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway: Drive to the summit of Whiteface Mountain for panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
• Adirondack Loj Road: This scenic drive offers access to trailheads leading to some of the Adirondacks’ most popular hikes, including Mount Marcy, the highest peak in New York.

Best Time to Visit: Late September to mid-October for peak foliage.

Autumn view of Silver Lake from the bluffs in the Adirondack Mountains, New York.

6. The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, New Mexico

Distance: 84 miles Highlights: Taos, Red River, Wheeler Peak, alpine lakes, vibrant autumn colors

New Mexico may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of fall foliage, but the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway offers a stunning display of autumn colors. This loop drive takes you through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, where you’ll find a mix of aspens, cottonwoods, and pines, all set against a backdrop of rugged peaks and desert landscapes.

• Taos: Start your journey in this historic town, known for its art galleries, adobe architecture, and rich cultural heritage.
• Eagle Nest Lake: A serene spot for fishing, hiking, or simply enjoying the fall colors reflected in the water.
• Wheeler Peak: For the adventurous, a hike to the summit of Wheeler Peak, the highest point in New Mexico, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Best Time to Visit: Late September to early October for peak foliage.

7. The Door County Coastal Byway, Wisconsin

Distance: 66 miles Highlights: Scenic shoreline, lighthouses, orchards, charming villages

Door County, often referred to as the “Cape Cod of the Midwest,” is a narrow peninsula that extends into Lake Michigan. The Door County Coastal Byway offers a picturesque drive along the shoreline, with opportunities to explore charming villages, historic lighthouses, and apple orchards. Autumn is an especially beautiful time to visit, as the leaves change color and the apple harvest is in full swing.

• Peninsula State Park: One of Wisconsin’s most popular parks, Peninsula State Park offers hiking, biking, and stunning views of Green Bay.
• Ephraim: A quaint village with well-preserved 19th-century buildings, Ephraim is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll.
• Washington Island: Take a ferry to this island at the tip of the peninsula, where you can explore secluded beaches and scenic overlooks.

Best Time to Visit: Late September to mid-October for peak foliage and apple picking.

8. The Icefields Parkway, Alberta, Canada

Distance: 144 miles Highlights: Canadian Rockies, glaciers, turquoise lakes, wildlife

For those looking to venture beyond the U.S. borders, the Icefields Parkway in Alberta offers one of the most awe-inspiring drives in North America. This route takes you through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, with towering peaks, pristine glaciers, and turquoise lakes providing a dramatic backdrop. Autumn is an ideal time to visit, as the crowds thin out and the landscape is dusted with the first snow of the season.

• Lake Louise: One of the most photographed spots in the Canadian Rockies, Lake Louise is especially stunning in the fall.
• Columbia Icefield: Take a guided tour onto the Athabasca Glacier or explore the Glacier Skywalk for unparalleled views.
• Peyto Lake: This glacier-fed lake is known for its vibrant blue color, which contrasts beautifully with the surrounding autumn foliage.

Best Time to Visit: Late September to early October for fall colors and early snowfall.

Dusk view of Mount Edith Cavell from Jasper National Park’s picturesque Icefields Parkway in Canada.

9. The Natchez Trace Parkway, Mississippi to Tennessee

Distance: 444 miles Highlights: Historical sites, rolling hills, scenic overlooks, wildlife

The Natchez Trace Parkway is a historic route that stretches from Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee. This road trip offers a journey through time, with numerous historical sites, including Native American mounds, Civil War battlefields, and antebellum mansions. In the fall, the parkway is transformed by the changing leaves, making it a picturesque drive with plenty of opportunities for exploration.

• Emerald Mound: One of the largest Native American mounds in the United States, dating back to 1250 AD.
• Cypress Swamp: Take a short walk through this unique wetland area, where you might spot alligators and other wildlife.
• Loveless Cafe: End your journey with a stop at this iconic Nashville eatery, known for its Southern comfort food and biscuits.

Best Time to Visit: Late October to early November for peak foliage.

Bridge over the The Natchez Trace Parkway in autumn.

10. The Million Dollar Highway, Colorado

Distance: 25 miles Highlights: San Juan Mountains, alpine passes, mining towns, vibrant fall colors

The Million Dollar Highway, a section of U.S. Route 550 between Ouray and Silverton, is one of the most breathtaking drives in Colorado. This route takes you through the heart of the San Juan Mountains, with dramatic cliffs, hairpin turns, and stunning vistas at every corner. In the fall, the mountainsides are ablaze with the golden hues of aspen trees, creating a picture-perfect backdrop for your road trip.

• Ouray: Known as the “Switzerland of America,” Ouray is a charming mountain town with hot springs and scenic hikes.
• Red Mountain Pass: This high mountain pass offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys, especially vibrant in the fall.
• Silverton: A historic mining town, Silverton is a great place to explore the region’s rich history and enjoy some local cuisine.

Million Dollar Highway near Ouray, Colorado

Conclusion: Embrace the Magic of Autumn on the Road

Autumn is a season of transformation, and there’s no better way to experience it than by hitting the road and exploring some of the most scenic routes in North America. Whether you’re drawn to the fiery colors of the Northeast, the rugged beauty of the Rockies, or the coastal charm of the Pacific, these road trips offer something for every traveler. Pack your bags, grab a map, and set out on an unforgettable journey through the heart of fall. The road awaits, and with it, the promise of adventure, discovery, and the simple joy of the open road.

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26 top places to see fall foliage in the u.s. in 2024.

Hit the road or the trail to view vibrant fall leaves across America.

The Top Places to See Fall Foliage

Getty Images

There's no other time of year quite like fall. Brisk, cool mornings give way to sun-warmed afternoons, and the dropping temperatures create a kaleidoscope of colors as the leaves change before winter sets in. The displays of color are different across the U.S., but they're all brilliant when leaf-peeping season is at its peak.

Peak leaf season varies by region and by year, depending on the weather, so it's best to check with local sources before you go. Many top destinations to view fall's splendor have leaf and foliage maps and trackers so you can follow the local predictions and current conditions – and arrive just in time for the best of the season. Some of these destinations will be familiar, while others are lesser-known locales where you can capture and embrace fall's beauty.

So, pack your jacket and jeans, then grab your camera to capture one of nature's best spectacle.

Acadia National Park, Maine

Acadia National Park covers nearly 50,000 acres along the rocky coast of Maine. Located about 160 miles northeast of Portland, the park boasts the diverse natural beauty of the Atlantic shoreline, including majestic mountains. Peak leaf season in Acadia traditionally falls in the middle of October. This is when you'll see the vibrant displays of oranges, reds and yellows, especially along the Acadia All-American Road, one of the best scenic drives to view the fall colors.

While visiting Acadia , plan to stay at the nearby coastal town of Bar Harbor , considered to be the gateway to the park. Bar Harbor Inn & Spa , situated along picturesque Frenchman Bay, is an outstanding choice for an overnight stay: The historic property offers impressive views of the water as well as Maine's Porcupine Islands. While in town, you can take a whale watching tour and treat yourself to a traditional lobster dinner at Beal's Lobster Pier.

McKenzie River Scenic Byway, Oregon

Melanie Griffin | Courtesy of Eugene, Cascades & Coast

The 34-mile McKenzie River Scenic Byway extends from the vineyards of the Willamette Valley to the forests of the Cascade Mountains in Oregon , treating travelers and road-trippers to views of some of the Pacific Northwest's most beautiful landscapes. Plan your visit for peak season when the golds and reds are most vibrant, usually in mid-to-late October.

The McKenzie River boasts some of the best fly-fishing in Oregon, so anglers will want to cast off for native redside rainbow and cutthroat trout along the way. Other highlights include stops at local farm stands and at Goodpasture Bridge in Vida, which is the state's second-longest covered bridge. For an extended romantic getaway that includes days spent fly-fishing, whitewater rafting and hiking to waterfalls, make reservations at the Eagle Rock Lodge, a bed-and-breakfast for couples in Vida.

The Berkshires, Massachusetts

Situated about 130 miles west of Boston and surrounded by mountains, the Berkshires are one of the most scenic places to view fall foliage in New England . The leaves begin changing at the end of September, but peak season starts around mid-October. You can expect to see colors ranging from golden yellows to vivid oranges to deep reds. If you're up for a hike, take the Stony Ledge trail from the Williamstown side of Mount Greylock, the highest peak in Massachusetts at nearly 3,500 feet. This route offers one of the best viewing points of the foliage from midway up the mountain.

Back on the ground, the Berkshires feature world-class arts and entertainment offerings along with a deep-rooted food culture with many locally focused dining options. You can also explore the apple orchards and hops farms along the Berkshire Farm & Table Beer & Cider Trail. For accommodations in the Berkshires , splurge on a stay at The Williams Inn, an upscale hotel with a contemporary design that emulates local farmhouse architecture.

Charlottesville, Virginia

Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in central Virginia, Charlottesville offers spectacular scenery accentuated by fall's vivid hues. Mid-to-late October is when you'll usually see the most dazzling red, orange and yellow leaves, but the colors can linger into early November, depending on the weather. Some of the best viewing spots with scenic overlooks are along the neighboring Blue Ridge Parkway and the connecting Skyline Drive in nearby Shenandoah National Park .

When you're not leaf peeping, plan to visit Thomas Jefferson's Monticello: the former home, gardens and grounds of the third U.S. president. Travel along the Monticello Wine Trail to sample some of Virginia's award-winning vintages at wineries such as Michael Shaps Wineworks, Barboursville Vineyards and Jefferson Vineyards. In the evenings, travelers can unwind over a seasonally inspired dinner at Marigold by Jean-Georges before settling in at the beautiful luxury property Keswick Hall.

Bucks County, Pennsylvania

Courtesy of Visit Bucks County

Bucks County's picturesque country roads and covered bridges create an idyllic setting for viewing fall's colorful palette. Located in the southeastern part of Pennsylvania and bordered by New Jersey and the Delaware River to the east, Bucks County has a rich Revolutionary War history and is known for its thriving cultural and arts community. Peak leaf season typically occurs in mid-October, bringing vibrant hues of yellows, oranges and reds to the area.

For a scenic escape to the Pennsylvania countryside, make reservations at The Inn at Barley Sheaf Farm, a luxury B&B in Holicong. You can spend your brisk fall days exploring the shops and restaurants in New Hope or checking out the annual Scarecrows in the Village display at Peddler's Village in Lahaska. Visitors may also want to take a self-guided driving tour of Bucks County's 12 covered bridges or sip and savor local wines along the Bucks County Wine Trail.

French Lick West Baden, Indiana

Courtesy of French Lick Resort

Located in southern Indiana, French Lick West Baden is a resort community nestled in the hills of Hoosier National Forest that features some of Indiana's best leaf-peeping locales. The yellows, oranges and reds are usually the most vivid from mid-October and later, with peak colors appearing at the end of the month. For active adventures in the colorful scenery, go hiking, biking or horseback riding. You can also hop on board a train ride into the forest on the French Lick Scenic Railway. When you want to kick back and relax, spend an afternoon sipping wine with a view on a Fall Foliage Wine Cruise on Patoka Lake.

There are three hotels to choose from at the historic French Lick Resort, including the newest property, the 71-room Valley Tower Hotel. A must-see no matter which property you choose is the stunning atrium at the West Baden Springs Hotel . Spanning 200 feet wide and constructed more than a century ago, this engineering feat was once known as the "Eighth Wonder of the World." While at the resort, you can enjoy all of the amenities, including three golf courses, two spas and a Vegas-style casino.

The Mississippi River Valley, Minnesota

Colorful wooded bluffs, steep hillsides and quaint river towns are all highlights of the Mississippi River Valley region in southern Minnesota – best enjoyed on a leisurely drive. The nearly 90-mile route from the town of Red Wing to La Crescent on U.S. Route 61 also features scenic overlooks, including two must-see locations at Great River Bluffs and Frontenac state parks. This drive along the Mississippi River – part of the 3,000-mile Great River Road, which begins in Minnesota and runs south through 10 states to conclude in Louisiana – celebrates peak fall colors from late September to mid-October.

As you take in the brilliant hues of russet, red and gold along the ride, be sure to stop for an afternoon snack at a roadside apple stand. Bird lovers may be eager to see the National Eagle Center in Wabasha, Minnesota. While in this town, grab dinner and a beer before spending the night at Turning Waters Bed, Breakfast and Brewery. Further down the road, don't miss the town of Winona, home to the small but impressive collection of works that explore the human relationship with water at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum.

Breckenridge, Colorado

Situated at 9,600 feet above sea level in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Breckenridge is one of the first places in Colorado to witness fall's brilliant changing of the leaves. While the aspen trees' golds, reds and oranges usually peak by late September, the season can linger into early October. For optimal leaf viewing, plan to drive the 22-mile Boreas Pass: This route begins in Como and heads north to Breckenridge.

While visiting, enjoy brisk fall days hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding or fly-fishing surrounded by the beauty of the Rockies. If you're in town in mid-September, don your best alpine gear and attend the festivities at Breckenridge Oktoberfest. For an extended stay with a view, reserve accommodations at The Lodge at Breckenridge . This property nestled atop a forested cliff is regarded as one of the world's highest-altitude hotels at 10,200 feet.

Hudson, New York

Nestled in the Hudson River Valley in Columbia County, around 120 miles north of New York City , Hudson is a small town that offers a distinct food, arts and farming culture. There's also a unique history to explore, especially when it comes to architecture: Known as a "dictionary of architectural history," Hudson boasts many well-preserved buildings from almost every major period in America. The area's bounty of trees produce brilliant red, orange and gold hues beginning at the end of September, with peak viewing time around mid-to-late October.

For a unique way to see the foliage, get a designated driver and plan a road trip around the Hudson Valley Wine and Craft Beverage Map, which features more than 100 wineries, breweries, cideries and distilleries. After the drive, browse the town's boutiques and antique shops before checking into The Hudson Whaler Hotel, a beautifully restored property in the heart of downtown.

If you'd prefer to cruise the Hudson River Valley to see the fall foliage, American Cruise Lines offers summer and fall Hudson River cruise itineraries. The round-trip sailings from New York City include five stops in New York state: Catskill, Albany, Hyde Park, West Point and the town of Sleepy Hollow, which is the home of Ichabod Crane and the legendary tale of his flight from the headless horseman.

Willamette Valley, Oregon

Fall is harvest season in the Willamette Valley and one of the best times to visit the renowned wine region. The days are sunny and cool during peak foliage, which typically falls around mid-October. Leaf peepers can expect to see brilliant hues of yellow, orange and red against the deep green shade of the evergreen Douglas fir – the state tree of Oregon. Willamette Valley is home to more than 700 wineries, with many producing internationally acclaimed vintages, so you may want to hire a private guide to craft your itinerary around the best wines and the best views.

McMinnville is situated in the heart of wine country and is a perfect base for exploring the region. The historic downtown offers plenty of non-wine fun with quirky shops and art galleries and restaurants featuring locally sourced and award-winning cuisine – including ōkta, which is helmed by Michelin-starred chef Matthew Lightner. For an overnight stay, reserve accommodations at the luxury boutique Atticus Hotel. The 36-room hotel features seven distinct room categories, including the Luxury Bunkhouse that's perfect for a getaway with friends in Oregon's wine country.

Stowe, Vermont

Nestled at the base of Mount Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak, Stowe is one of the most picturesque villages in New England. It's also one of the best places to view the annual fall spectacle, with colors changing from early September through the end of October. Vermont is around 80% forested and boasts plenty of sugar maples, so autumn visitors can admire vibrant displays of red, gold and yellow leaves across the state. One of the prettiest drives to see the foliage is along the Smugglers' Notch Pass through the Green Mountains in Smugglers' Notch State Park.

If you're planning for several days of leaf-peeping activities, a room at the Austrian-inspired Trapp Family Lodge can be your home base while you go horseback riding, rent a canoe or hop on the seasonal Stowe Gondola SkyRide to the summit of Mount Mansfield for unparalleled views. Back in town, check out local breweries like The Alchemist or von Trapp Brewery & Bierhall.

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Bretton Woods, New Hampshire

Set in the White Mountains of New Hampshire , Bretton Woods is one of the top destinations in the state to view fall foliage. Leaf-peeping season begins in mid-September and continues through late October – this is when the most vibrant yellows, oranges, reds and even purples will paint the surrounding mountains. Due to the many tree species, it can be hard to predict peak foliage in this area, but you'll likely have the most luck around the second week of October.

To enjoy the spectacle for several days, make reservations at the Omni Mount Washington Resort . This historic property sits at the base of the highest peak in the Northeast, giving guests a front-row seat to the show. During your stay, dash through the treetops on a zip line canopy tour, enjoy a scenic horse-drawn carriage ride or take a thrilling trip on the Mount Washington Cog Railway. You may also opt to take in the sights on a gondola ride and have lunch atop the mountain. Back on the ground, book a signature spa treatment and relax with expansive views of the Presidential Range, Crawford Notch and Mount Washington from the therapy rooms.

Northwoods, Wisconsin

The Northwoods of Wisconsin comprises five counties boasting thousands of lakes and vast forests perfect for fall leaf-peeping adventures. The northern part of the state offers some of the best foliage viewing in Wisconsin, typically between mid-September and early October, when you can see vibrant shades of orange, red, yellow and purple. If you want to experience the local art scene – and take in the autumn views – the Northwoods Art Tour takes place every fall in October. Visitors can stop at dozens of unique sites featuring artisan jewelry, pottery, woodwork, glass pieces, sculpting, painting and more throughout the Northwoods.

Stop for a few days in Boulder Junction to see more of the area and take in some of the outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, fishing, golfing, kayaking and more. Located in Vilas County, the charming town is home to hundreds of biking and hiking trails and nearly as many lakes. You'll also find cute local shops to peruse and casual restaurants downtown and on Main Street. Take your pick of rustic cabin-style accommodations and private rentals or reserve a room at one of the motor lodges in town: Boulder Bear or Boulder Junction.

Highlands, North Carolina

This picturesque mountain town sits at more than 4,100 feet in elevation on the Highlands Plateau in the Nantahala National Forest. Highlands is also located in a temperate rainforest, so the vegetation is lush and there are many waterfalls, rivers and lakes to explore in and around the area. Leaf-peeping season typically begins in mid-October, when you'll see leaves starting to turn bright yellow and orange, as well as deeper hues of red, rust and even purple.

There are many active outdoor activities to enjoy in this region, such as hiking, fly-fishing and golfing, but the community also has a vibrant cultural arts scene. During your visit, check out the exhibits at The Bascom (a visual arts center), as well as events at the Highlands Performing Arts Center and the new Mountain Theater Company. While in town, reserve accommodations at Old Edwards Inn and Spa . This beautiful Relais & Châteaux property, located in the heart of Highlands, puts visitors within walking distance of the many restaurants and boutiques located on Main Street.

Whidbey Island, Washington

The 55-mile Whidbey Isle Scenic Way is one of the driving routes along Puget Sound in what's known as "Washington's ultimate road trip": the Cascade Loop. Peak color along the loop typically occurs between late September to mid-October with brilliant shades of gold, orange, and red – and you'll have plenty of opportunities for leaf peeping with all the farms, parks, mountains and wineries along the way. The scenic drive on Whidbey Island begins as you cross over historic Deception Pass Bridge and head south toward the largest town on the island, Oak Harbor. This coastal city is home to Deception Pass State Park and many Garry white oak trees that are native to the Pacific Coast.

In Coupeville, the second-oldest town in the state, more than 100 buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Stop for photos at Fort Casey State Park and the Admiralty Head Lighthouse before feasting on local Penn Cove mussels at one of the waterfront restaurants. Other highlights on the drive include Greenbank Farm, where you can sample local wines and cheeses surrounded by the Olympic Mountains and the Cascade Range, as well as the town of Langley, known as the "Village by the Sea." This charming artsy community sits atop a bluff overlooking the Saratoga Passage and the Cascade Mountains.

Letchworth State Park, New York

Letchworth State Park, fondly known as the "Grand Canyon of the East," is home to some of the most striking fall foliage views in the U.S. The park's 14,300-plus acres of lush forest usually hit their peak in early-to-mid-October, when leaf peepers will be treated to yellow, orange and red foliage framing the magnificent Genesee Gorge and Genesee River. Explore this unique setting on miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails, including the park's new Autism Nature Trail, a milelong hiking loop with marked sensory stations. You can also take to the skies in a hot air balloon with Balloons Over Letchworth, the only company that launches from inside the gorge.

While you're visiting Letchworth State Park, be sure to check out the surrounding Wyoming and Livingston counties for fun fall activities. You can soak in the views in Wyoming County with a Fall Foliage Train Ride on the Arcade & Attica Railroad, or head to Livingston for a free ranger-led walking tour of the Mount Morris Dam. When you're ready to relax, explore local craft beer, wine, cider and spirits along the LivCo Libation Loop. Stay the night in the heart of Letchworth State Park at the Glen Iris Inn, which offers convenient access to both counties and overlooks Middle Falls on the Genesee River.

Tunnel of Trees, Upper Peninsula of Michigan

Known as the Tunnel of Trees, this 20-mile scenic route follows the historic Michigan 119 highway between Harbor Springs and Cross Village. The area's canopies of golds, oranges, yellows and crimsons are on display typically from late September to mid-October. A few highlights for travelers include visiting the picturesque waterfront resort town of Harbor Springs and sampling authentic Polish cuisine at the iconic Legs Inn restaurant in Cross Village.

For overnight lodging, plan to stay at The Highlands, a Boyne Resort in Harbor Springs. This property offers many outdoor activities, including zip lining, horseback riding, biking and swimming. While here, reserve a seat on the Heather Express chairlift: This excursion to the top of the mountain affords incredible views of Little Traverse Bay, Harbor Springs and the area's beautiful fall foliage.

North Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada

North Lake Tahoe, which unfurls across both California and Nevada, is surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America, so there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure, from kayaking and paddleboarding to boating and relaxing on the area's many beaches. When it comes to viewing fall's splendor, hundreds of biking and hiking trails with 10-plus different species of native trees show off the red, orange and yellow foliage.

The best time to see the colorful leaves is from about mid-September to late October, especially at the top leaf-peeping locales: Tahoe Meadows, Ellis Peak, Mount Rose Summit and Sugar Pine Point State Park. For a memorable getaway, book accommodations at the Everline Resort & Spa at the base of Olympic Valley. Amenities at this luxury resort include a golf course with a view, a luxurious spa and various outdoor experiences, such as guided fly-fishing trips, hiking and backpacking.

The Ozarks, Arkansas

Situated in the northern part of Arkansas , the Ozark Mountains are the perfect destination to explore the outdoors and marvel at autumn's palette of bright golds, reds and oranges. The transformation typically begins around the second week of October, and peak colors appear by late October. One of the top spots to view the foliage is in the Buffalo National River area around the small town of Ponca. This beautiful wilderness destination in the mountains offers the opportunity to disconnect and get away from it all.

While here, take time to hike or float down the river – all the while keeping an eye out for wild elk. Fall is when the bulls are battling to become king of the herd, so they're especially active during this time of year. Plan to reserve one of the cabins in the mountains above Ponca. Vantage points from these properties yield incredible stargazing opportunities, as well as memorable sunrise and sunset views.

Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Scenic Byway, Maryland

The roughly 40-mile scenic drive from Emmitsburg to Point of Rocks runs along U.S. Route 15 in Maryland . Known as "hallowed ground" and considered sacred by some, this long stretch of road highlights significant Civil War sites and pristine natural areas, including Catoctin Mountain Park, home to the presidential residence Camp David. The best time to make the journey to view the foliage on the Maryland route is between late September and early November, with peak season around mid-October.

One not-to-be-missed detour is a stop to see the 78-foot waterfall and gorge in Cunningham Falls State Park. If you're after a challenging hike with great views, travelers say Sugarloaf Mountain in Dickerson can't be missed. Afterward, spend time exploring the shops, art galleries, distilleries, breweries and restaurants in the historic city of Frederick. You can book an overnight stay at one of the charming local B&Bs, such as 10 Clarke. If you're up for more fall festivities, visit nearby Gaver Farm in Mount Airy, whose Fall Fun Fest has a corn maze and more than 65 attractions, including a zip line, a chicken show, jumping pillows and giant slides.

Adirondacks, New York

The Adirondacks offer leaf peepers 10 distinct regional destinations covering more than 6 million acres in the northeast corner of New York state. Adventurers can head to the Lake Placid region in late September and early October to hike the Adirondack High Peaks, which offer the best mountain vistas during peak fall foliage. While you're in the region, be sure to visit the Olympic Jumping Complex. Visitors can take an elevator to the top of the ski jumps for a bird's-eye view of the Adirondacks before heading back down on a zip line.

In the first two weeks of October, you'll find peak leaf peeping around Lake George, a popular vacation spot with 109 miles of shoreline and 300-plus islands. Hike nearby Prospect Mountain for a breathtaking view overlooking the lake's beautiful blue waters and the vibrant yellows, oranges and reds of the surrounding forest. For an authentic Adirondack stay without sacrificing resort luxuries, book a vacation rental at The Lodges at Cresthaven. Located on the shores of Lake George, this resort property offers a host of amenities along with Adirondack decor and panoramic views of the lake.

Anchorage to Kenai, Alaska

The epic landscapes of Alaska are awash with vibrant reds, purples, yellows and oranges – and even snow-capped mountaintops – from late August through September as fall arrives in The Great Land. The autumn colors across the state's vast wilderness, forests and tundra change quickly as winter approaches, beginning in mid-to-late August in the Arctic regions and lasting as late as October in southern areas like Tongass National Forest.

This roughly 160-mile drive on the Seward and Sterling highways from Anchorage to Kenai travels along two National Scenic Byways. You'll find many vantage points along the way to take in the jaw-dropping views and capture photos. The first 50 miles of Seward Highway follow the Chugach Mountains and the shoreline of Turnagain Arm, where you may catch a glimpse of Dall sheep, beluga whales and eagles. From Tern Lake to Skilak Lake on Sterling Highway, you won't want to miss the sight of the Kenai River's teal glacial waters set against the orange and yellow leaves.

For a side trip en route, visitors can plan to stay in one of the recently refreshed Signature Rooms at the beautiful Alyeska Resort, about 40 miles southeast of Anchorage. Indulge in a day at the Alyeska Nordic Spa and, if you visit by mid-September, take a ride on the aerial tramway to the top of Mount Alyeska for panoramic views from above. Be sure to save up enough energy to chase the aurora borealis in the wee morning hours, as the northern lights dance across the night sky from mid-August to mid-April in Alaska .

The Poconos, Pennsylvania

One of the best ways to view the Pocono Mountains' vibrant fall hues of reds, yellows, oranges and purples is with a scenic drive along U.S. Route 6 in Pennsylvania. This road meanders through charming towns like Milford, Hawley and Honesdale, where you can take in autumn festivities that include the Hawley Harvest Hoedown and Honesdale's Harvest and Heritage Days. Another optimal viewing spot for the foliage is the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area with its 70,000 acres of forests and wetlands, the two tallest waterfalls in the state, and more than 150 miles of hiking trails.

The peak season for vibrant leaves in the Poconos depends on the region (north or south) and the progression of temperatures in the fall, but you can typically expect the best viewing from mid-September through the peak season in early-to-mid-October. For up-to-the-minute information, check the fall foliage forecast on the Poconos Mountain website . After a busy day of exploring, The French Manor Inn and Spa is the perfect place to kick back, relax and admire even more of autumn's beauty. This luxury property is perched atop Huckleberry Mountain in Newfoundland, offering spectacular views of the kaleidoscope of leaf colors.

Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

The majesty of Mount Rainier, with its summit reaching 14,410 feet above sea level, is even more breathtaking surrounded by fall's vibrant colors. While you can see the peak from miles around, a drive through Mount Rainier National Park can bring you up-close viewing of the spectacle. Top leaf-peeping areas include the White Pass Scenic Byway to Chinook Pass via Bethel Ridge – if you have a high-clearance vehicle. Visitors may consider making a side trip to Cash Prairie before venturing on to Timberwolf Mountain. Peak season to capture the brilliant crimsons, ambers and golds can vary, but it typically occurs between mid-October through early November.

While in the park, enjoy other favorite fall activities such as foraging for local mushrooms – chanterelles, hen-of-the-woods and matsutake, for example. You can also book an early-morning Elk Bugling Tour at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park to see the Roosevelt elk sparring during their "rut," or breeding season. For rustic accommodations to enjoy the great outdoors while visiting the park, reserve a cabin or campsite at Mounthaven Resort.

North Conway, New Hampshire

For prime autumn foliage in one of the best small towns for an adventure, head up to North Conway in New Hampshire . Located roughly 85 miles north of Portsmouth, this small town is encompassed by the White Mountain National Forest and home to Mount Washington, the tallest peak in the Northeast. With dozens of foot hike options through the surrounding 700,000 acres of protected forest, there's no shortage of leaf-peeping opportunities. Peak colors typically paint the landscape with vibrant hues of red, orange and yellow from the end of September into the first two weeks of October.

A ride along the Kancamagus Highway – affectionately called "The Kanc" by locals – is a must-do. The 34-mile scenic drive will immerse you in a fall wonderland as it winds through the New Hampshire countryside, but make sure to fill your tank before you set off, as there are no gas stations or stores along the highway.

While you're in the area, don't forget to indulge in North Conway's other unique activities. Enjoy the perks of tax-free shopping at Settlers Green Outlet Village or grab a chairlift ride at Cranmore Mountain Resort. If you decide to hop aboard the historic Conway Scenic Railroad, experience 360-degree views of the fall foliage in a deluxe dome car on the 1950s-era transcontinental streamlined train. When you're ready to settle in for the night, the Cranmore Inn, a boutique inn located in the center of town, blends modern amenities with historical charm.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park encompasses more than 522,400 acres across the states of North Carolina and Tennessee. The Smokies are known for their incredible display of autumn hues with about 100 species of native trees. At 4,000 feet in elevation and above, leaf peepers can expect to see intense shades of red, orange and brown during peak season, which is typically around early-to-mid-October. Lower-elevation towns like Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg will experience peak color around mid-October to early November.

The highest summit in Great Smoky Mountains National Park , Clingmans Dome, sits at 6,643 feet and offers one of the best views of the foliage, with panoramic vistas from a 54-foot observation tower. The 11-mile one-way loop at Cades Cove (accessible from the nearby town of Townsend, Tennessee) is another top spot for seeing the colorful display in the park. This scenic valley features hiking trails, historic homesites, a visitor center, a campground, a riding stable and a picnic area.

Clingmans Dome and Cades Cove can be very busy with tourists in the fall, so another option is to take a drive on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, which is a round-trip scenic route from downtown Gatlinburg. You can also head out on one of the many hiking trails in the park to see Mother Nature's spectacle. If you're planning to stay a few days to explore the park and the nearby towns, make reservations at the Historic Rocky Waters Inn, A Small Luxury Hotel in Gatlinburg. The property also offers curated guided experiences inside and outside the park for its guests.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi was born in Pennsylvania, one of the top places in the country (and the world) to view fall foliage, with the longest and most varied autumn season. She's also lived in other states known for their beautiful leaf-peeping seasons: Virginia, Massachusetts, North Carolina and Tennessee. Pratesi has been known to take road trips wherever she travels to view fall's kaleidoscope of colors, especially in the Pacific Northwest; in Western states like Colorado, Montana and Wyoming; and all along the East Coast. She also enjoys seeing autumn's colorful display from the deck of a cruise or river ship in the U.S. and along the coast of Canada.

Erin Vasta grew up in the Shenandoah Valley surrounded by prime leaf-peeping destinations. Through her travels around the East Coast, she has enjoyed taking hikes, scenic drives or historic train rides to see the fall foliage. Whether by planning the perfect leaf-peeping excursion or hopping in the car for an impromptu drive, Vasta believes there's no bad way to take in autumn's hues, but she hopes this guide will help you take full advantage of this incredible season.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Places to Visit in the Fall
• The Top Fall Family Vacation Ideas
• The Best Fall Festivals in the U.S.
• The Best Places to Visit in October

Fun Fall Weekend Getaways

Tags: Travel , Fall Vacations , Vacation Ideas , US Vacations

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10 Best Towns in The Smoky Mountains – Things To Do, Scenic Stops & Tips

Which town to stay in Smoky Mountains? Then read this blog on the best towns in the Smoky Mountains with why they are worth visiting. The Smoky Mountains, lying along the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, are home to some of the most charming towns in the southeastern United States.

👉🏼Great Smoky Mountains Itinerary 3 Days – Best Things To Do, Hikes, Waterfalls & Campgrounds

These small towns in the Smoky Mountains offer breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and a wide array of activities for every type of traveler.

Best Towns in The Smoky Mountains – Towns Near Great Smoky Mountains

Here’s a detailed guide to the best towns in the Smoky Mountains, including why they are worth visiting, things to do, overnight hotel suggestions, how to reach them, scenic routes, scenic stopovers, and useful tips.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Gatlinburg is the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This town blends natural beauty and vibrant tourism, offering everything from outdoor adventures to unique attractions. Gatlinburg is also one of the best Smoky mountain towns.

Things to Do

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park : The main attraction, offering over 800 miles of trails, scenic drives, and wildlife viewing. The park is a must-visit for hiking, photography, and experiencing the serenity of nature.
• Ober Gatlinburg : A ski resort and amusement park where you can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating in winter, an alpine slide, a scenic chairlift, and wildlife encounters in summer.
• Gatlinburg SkyLift Park : Provides panoramic views of the Smokies from the SkyBridge, North America’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge.

Overnight Hotel Stay – The Lodge at Buckberry Creek : A luxurious retreat with mountain views and rustic charm, perfect for couples.

How to Reach From Knoxville, TN: Gatlinburg is about 45 miles southeast of Knoxville. Take US-441 South for a scenic drive through Sevierville and Pigeon Forge. The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours.

Scenic Route : The Foothills Parkway offers stunning views of the Smokies and is a significant scenic detour.

Pro Travel Tips: Gatlinburg can be crowded, especially in peak season. Arrive early to secure parking.

👉🏼Gatlinburg In Winter Tn – Best Things To Do In Winter + Cabin Stay Options + Events

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Pigeon Forge is a family-friendly destination known for its entertainment venues, dinner shows, and theme parks. It’s a lively town with plenty of activities for all ages.

• Dollywood : This famous theme park, owned by country music legend Dolly Parton, offers thrilling rides, live music, and traditional crafts.
• The Island in Pigeon Forge : A shopping and entertainment complex featuring the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, live music, and restaurants.
• Titanic Museum : A fascinating museum shaped like the Titanic, offering interactive exhibits and a glimpse into the ship’s history.

Overnight Hotel Stay – Margaritaville Island Hotel : Located within The Island, this hotel offers stylish rooms and easy access to attractions.

How to Reach – From Knoxville, TN : Pigeon Forge is approximately 40 miles southeast of Knoxville. Take US-441 South through Sevierville. The drive takes about 1 hour.

Scenic Route : The Little River Road from Townsend to Pigeon Forge offers beautiful river views and picnic opportunities.

Pro Travel Tips

• Traffic : Pigeon Forge can be busy, especially during festivals. Consider using the Pigeon Forge Trolley to get around.
• Book in Advance : Dollywood and popular dinner shows can sell out, so book your tickets early.

Bryson City, North Carolina

Bryson City is a tranquil town on the North Carolina side of the Smokies. It offers easy access to outdoor adventures and a slower pace of life. It’s a gateway to the less-crowded side of the national park.

• Great Smoky Mountains Railroad : A scenic train ride through the Smokies, offering breathtaking views of the mountains and rivers.
• Nantahala Outdoor Center : Perfect for rafting, kayaking, and zip-lining adventures.
• Deep Creek Trails : A set of easy-to-moderate hiking trails featuring waterfalls, perfect for a day hike.

Overnight Hotel Stay: Lakeview at Fontana is a boutique mountain inn and spa offering serene views and a relaxing atmosphere.

How to Reach – From Asheville, NC : Bryson City is about 65 miles west of Asheville. Take I-40 West to US-74 West. The drive takes approximately 1.5 hours.

Scenic Route : The Blue Ridge Parkway offers a scenic route with numerous overlooks and picnic spots.

• Weather : Bryson City can be more relaxed than other parts of the Smokies, so pack layers.
• Cell Service : Cell service can be spotty in the area, so download maps and guides beforehand.

Cherokee, North Carolina

Cherokee is a town rich in Native American history and culture, offering a unique regional perspective. It’s located at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park entrance on the North Carolina side.

• Museum of the Cherokee Indians : Learn about the history and culture of the Cherokee people through engaging exhibits.
• Oconaluftee Indian Village is a living history site where traditional Cherokee crafts, dwellings, and performances can be seen.
• Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort : Enjoy gaming, live entertainment, and dining in a luxurious setting.

Overnight Hotel Stay—Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort offers upscale accommodations and amenities, including a spa, pool, and dining options. Baymont by Wyndham Cherokee Smoky Mountains is a more budget-friendly option with comfortable rooms and mountain views.

How to Reach – From Asheville, NC : Cherokee is about 50 miles west of Asheville. Take I-40 West to US-74 West and then US-441 North. The drive takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Scenic Route : The Newfound Gap Road (US-441) through the national park offers stunning views and is especially beautiful in the fall.

• Cultural Etiquette : Respect the local Cherokee culture and traditions when visiting.
• Hiking : The nearby Oconaluftee River Trail is an easy, scenic, pet-friendly hike.

Townsend, Tennessee

Known as the “ Peaceful Side of the Smokies ,” Townsend offers a quieter alternative to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. It’s one of the best small towns in the Smoky Mountains for those looking to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the Smokies without the crowds.

• Cades Cove : A scenic valley offering an 11-mile loop road for biking or driving, with opportunities to see wildlife and historic buildings.
• Tuckaleechee Caverns : Explore the underground wonders of these caverns, including a stunning waterfall.
• Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center : Learn about the cultural history of the Smokies through exhibits and artifacts.

Overnight Hotel Stay: Dancing Bear Lodge is a rustic yet luxurious lodge offering cabins and suites with beautiful views.

How to Reach – From Knoxville, TN : Townsend is about 30 miles southeast of Knoxville. Take US-321 South. The drive takes around 45 minutes.

Scenic Route : The Foothills Parkway offers an incredibly scenic drive with multiple overlooks.

• Wildlife Viewing : Cades Cove is best visited early in the morning or late in the evening to spot wildlife.
• Crowds : Townsend is less crowded, but Cades Cove can be busy. Plan to visit early to avoid traffic.

Sevierville, Tennessee

Sevierville, the birthplace of Dolly Parton, is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. However, it offers a blend of history, entertainment, and outdoor activities that make it worth a visit.

• Dolly Parton Statue : This statue in front of the Sevier County Courthouse pays tribute to the town’s most famous resident.
• Forbidden Caverns : Explore these fascinating underground caverns with guided tours that showcase stalactites, stalagmites, and an underground river.
• Smoky Mountain Deer Farm and Exotic Petting Zoo : A family-friendly attraction where you can feed and interact with deer, zebras, and other animals.

Overnight Hotel Stay – The Resort at Governor’s Crossing : A family-friendly resort with an indoor water park, making it perfect for kids. Or Clarion Inn Willow River : A budget-friendly hotel with Southern charm, offering river views and cozy accommodations.

How to Reach – From Knoxville, TN : Sevierville is about 30 miles southeast of Knoxville via I-40 East and US-441 South. The drive takes around 45 minutes.

Scenic Route : The drive through the Great Smoky Mountains Parkway offers glimpses of the surrounding mountains and easy access to nearby attractions.

• Shopping : Sevierville is home to the Tanger Outlets, offering great deals on popular brands.
• Local Eats : Visit Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant for a taste of Southern cooking, especially their famous apple fritters.

👉🏼10 Unique Romantic Getaways In Tennessee With Romantic Stays (Weekend Getaways)

Waynesville, North Carolina

Waynesville is a picturesque town between the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Known for its vibrant arts scene, charming downtown, and proximity to outdoor adventures, it’s a perfect stop for travelers seeking a mix of culture and nature.

• Downtown Waynesville : Stroll through the historic downtown area, which is filled with art galleries, boutique shops, and locally-owned restaurants.
• Blue Ridge Parkway : Just a short drive from Waynesville, this scenic route offers breathtaking views, hiking trails, and picnic spots.
• Mast General Store : A historic general store where you can find everything from old-fashioned candies to outdoor gear.

Overnight Hotel Stay – The Swag : A luxurious mountaintop inn offering incredible views, gourmet dining, and private hiking trails.

How to Reach – From Asheville, NC : Waynesville is about 30 miles west of Asheville. Take I-40 West and then US-276 South. The drive takes around 40 minutes.

Scenic Route : The Blue Ridge Parkway, accessible near Asheville, offers one of the most scenic drives in the country and leads directly to Waynesville.

• Seasonal Events : Waynesville hosts several festivals throughout the year, including Folkmoot USA, an international dance and music festival.
• Outdoor Activities : Nearby Pisgah National Forest offers excellent opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and waterfall chasing.

Maggie Valley, North Carolina

Maggie Valley is a small town with big appeal, especially for outdoor enthusiasts and those looking to experience a laid-back mountain vibe. It’s known for its scenic beauty, winter sports, and vintage Americana charm.

• Cataloochee Ski Area : A popular spot for skiing and snowboarding in the winter, with slopes suitable for all levels.
• Wheels Through Time Museum : A unique museum featuring a vast collection of vintage motorcycles and automobiles showcasing America’s motorcycling history.
• Ghost Town in the Sky : An old Wild West-themed amusement park that, while no longer fully operational, still offers nostalgic appeal and stunning views.

Overnight Hotel Stay – Jonathan Creek Inn and Villas : A peaceful mid-budget option with creekside rooms and easy access to the town’s attractions.

How to Reach – From Asheville, NC : Maggie Valley is about 35 miles west of Asheville via I-40 West and US-19 South. The drive takes approximately 45 minutes.

Scenic Route : The Soco Gap route via US-19 offers panoramic mountain views and leads you right into Maggie Valley.

• Winter Sports : Cataloochee Ski Area is popular, so book your accommodations and lift tickets in advance during the winter season.
• Mountain Weather : The weather can change quickly, so bring layers and check conditions before heading out.

Franklin, North Carolina

Franklin is a hidden gem in the Smoky Mountains. It is known for its rich, gem-mining history and beautiful mountain scenery. It’s a small town with a friendly atmosphere, perfect for visitors seeking a peaceful retreat.

• Gem Mining : Franklin is known as the “Gem Capital of the World,” so try gem mining at one of the local mines like Rose Creek Mine or Mason’s Ruby & Sapphire Mine.
• Little Tennessee River Greenway : A beautiful walking and biking trail that winds along the river, offering scenic views and wildlife spotting.
• Scottish Tartans Museum : Explore the only museum in the U.S. dedicated to Scottish tartans, celebrating Franklin’s Scottish heritage.

Overnight Hotel Stay –  The Franklin Terrace Bed & Breakfast : A historic B&B offering charming accommodations and Southern hospitality.

How to Reach – From Asheville, NC : Franklin is about 65 miles southwest of Asheville via I-40 West and US-23 South. The drive takes approximately 1.5 hours.

Scenic Route : The drive along US-64 from Highlands to Franklin is one of the most picturesque in the region, with plenty of waterfalls and overlooks.

• Best Time for Gem Mining : Summer is the best time for gem mining, as the mines are fully operational, and the weather is ideal.
• Local Festivals : Franklin hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Scottish Heritage Festival and the Franklin Folk Festival.

Cosby, Tennessee

Cosby is a small, off-the-beaten-path town that offers easy access to some of the Smoky Mountains’ most beautiful and less crowded hiking trails. It’s perfect for visitors who want to experience the natural beauty of the Smokies without the hustle and bustle of the more touristy towns.

• Cosby Campground : A peaceful, less crowded campground in the national park with access to several excellent hiking trails.
• Hen Wallow Falls : A beautiful, moderately challenging waterfall hike that rewards you with stunning views.
• Carver’s Orchard & Applehouse Restaurant : Enjoy fresh, local produce and a meal at this charming orchard and restaurant.

Overnight Hotel Stay – Creekwalk Inn Bed and Breakfast with Cabins : A cozy B&B offering private cabins in the woods, perfect for a quiet retreat.

How to Reach – From Knoxville, TN : Cosby is about 55 miles east of Knoxville via I-40 East. The drive takes approximately 1 hour.

Scenic Route : The Foothills Parkway is a beautiful scenic drive near Cosby, offering stunning views of the Smoky Mountains.

Tips – Best Smoky Mountain Towns

• Best Time to Visit : The Smokies are beautiful year-round, but fall offers spectacular foliage, while spring brings blooming wildflowers.
• Pack Essentials : Bring comfortable hiking shoes, a camera for the stunning vistas, and layered clothing, as the weather can change quickly.
• Respect Nature : To preserve the area’s natural beauty, follow Leave No Trace principles, especially in national parks.

Now you know which town to stay in Smoky mountains. These towns near Great Smoky Mountains offer diverse experiences, each with its unique charm and attractions. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural exploration, these small towns in the Smoky Mountains are the best weekend gateways in the USA.

I hope you will soon play your trip to these cute small towns in the Smoky Mountains which are also the best towns in the Smoky Mountains.

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Over 70 People Have Never Returned From Colorado's Most Scenic Peak

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• Longs Peak in Colorado is one of the most challenging of the 58 14ers, resulting in numerous deaths since 1915.
• The Keyhole route to the summit is a popular choice, but hikers must be prepared for class three climbs and shifting weather.
• Despite varying experience levels, hikers of all ages have fallen victim to the dangerous conditions on Longs Peak.

Colorado with its famed "14ers" makes for one of the best climbing and hiking locations in the nation. Each of the nearly 60 mountains that are all 14,000 or above in elevation, require different technical skills to be able to hike or climb. The difficulty ranges from the easier class one day hikes to class four climbs that require more than one day to scale. The problem comes when the class shifts from class one hikes to something more difficult and hikers are not prepared for what they encounter — which could explain why over 70 people have not returned from Colorado's most scenic peak.

Of the 58 14ers, there is only one located in Rocky Mountain National Park . That peak is Longs Peak , one of the best mountain hikes in Colorado . Longs Peak is also the deadliest of all the 14ers due to it being a hike with one of the steepest elevation gains . From lesser experienced hikers to those in peak condition and everyone in between, all levels of hikers and climbers have run into problems on Longs Peak. Unfortunately, some were not able to overcome those issues and perished on the mountain.

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Over 70 People Have Never Returned From Longs Peak

From 1915 to 2021, 71 people perished on long peak, with several more not making it home in more recent years.

Given its location in Rocky Mountain National Park, Longs Peak is one of the best hikes in the park and one of the most popular of the 14ers for visitors to attempt to hike, despite Longs Peak being one of the toughest of the 14ers .

The route that most take is the Keyhole route as it is the straightforward way to get to the top of the summit. But Longs Peak is that it is not just a hike. In order to reach the summit, a substantial climb is in order.

From 1915 to 2021, 71 people passed away while trying to ascend or descend Longs Peak. Since 2021, however, there have been several more people who perished on the mountain. It is the ascent to the peak that starts with a class one hike that has many less experienced hikers believing they can make it to the top without any difficulty.

What they are not accounting for along the 15-mile round trip hike is how much more difficult the hike gets as the elevation increases.

Additionally, when scaling Longs Peak, the only way to know what the weather will look like for the remainder of the day is getting past the keyhole feature in the hike. This, however, is several hours into the hike. Getting trapped in inclement weather is a very real possibility.

While weather can lead to hiker deaths on Longs Peak, it is just one of the reasons that so many have passed while attempting to scale the mountain.

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Most Common Causes Of Death On Longs Peak

Falling is by far the most common reason for hikers dying on longs peak.

The bottom portion of Longs Peak makes for a challenging hike for those in good health. But, unless there is some modicum of climbing experience had by those hikers, they may want to think twice about ascending Longs Peak. The climb is a class three and is not for the faint of heart.

There are several reasons why people have passed away while making their way to the top of Longs Peak. Using the statistics available through 2021, according to Rocky Mountain Journal, those reasons include:

What is interesting about those who never made it home from their climb of Longs Peak is that the group was a mixed bag of ages and hiking/climbing abilities. Even those who are experienced can run into issues with Longs Peak. This is why not only being prepared by knowing when physical limits have been reached and when the weather is going to turn are key to making it off Longs Peak safely.

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How To Safely Climb Longs Peak

Being prepared and knowing when to turn around are the key to safely hiking longs peak.

For those who do attempt to hike and climb Longs Peak, there are ways to do so safely. While certain things like rock slides and falling rocks cannot be accounted for, there are things that those who want bragging rights for having made it to the top of Longs Peak can do to ensure they do not run into controllable problems while scaling the mountain.

Some of the tips that hikers and climbers can follow to make the summit of Longs Peak are numerous. Those tips include:

• Start the hike and climb as early as possible (many hikers start at 3:00 AM)
• Mind the weather and do not continue to the top of it looks like a storm is coming in
• Watch for falling debris from hikers farther ahead
• Stop if altitude sickness kicks in
• Wear layers
• Pack more water than believed is necessary
• Do not be afraid to turn around at any time

While these tips are intended to get hikers to the top of Longs Peak, they are also recommended to keep people from dying. Too often, hikers and climbers take to the peak to say that they were able to make it to the top. Of those folks, some realize they are not prepared for making it to the summit and turn around. The only thing that this does is risk the hiker's life, something that no mountain or bragging rights are worth.

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12 Best Small Towns to Live in the U.S.

From California to Vermont, these small towns are some of the country's most sought-after communities to call home, according to real estate experts.

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While big cities may be an essential part of our country's economic and social life, small towns are becoming an increasingly popular option for settling down. In fact, in 2020, almost half of Americans said they preferred to live in a small or rural town, a significant increase since 2018, according to a Gallup Poll .

The best small towns in America provide residents with many of the amenities and conveniences of larger urban areas, like hospitals, schools, cultural and sports activities, and entertainment. And while those often come at a much smaller scale, the benefits of living in a small town are many — a stronger sense of community, tranquility, less stress, and often a much more scenic setting immersed in nature that encourages an active lifestyle.

Here, we rounded up 12 of the best — and most sought-after — small U.S. towns with fewer than 25,000 residents to consider for your next forever home.

Incline Village, Nevada

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This upscale community on the northeast shore of Lake Tahoe is far from being just another resort town. Unlike similar vacation destinations, Incline Village has everything its approximately 9,000 residents need to live here full-time: a hospital, pharmacies, schools, grocery stores, a university campus (University of Nevada, Reno), and a library.

Of course, there's no shortage of recreational amenities such as private beaches, a boat launch, pools, golf courses, and even an in-town ski resort, Diamond Peak. Residents also enjoy no income tax and relatively low property taxes, according to Sierra Sotheby's International Realty agent David Duffie.

"The most popular neighborhoods are near the lake or in areas with great lake views," added Duffie. "These include Lakefront, Mill Creek, and Lakeview subdivisions for lake proximity, and the Eastern Slope for views."

However, relocating to Incline Village isn't cheap. According to Zillow , the median home value is $1,411,680.

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As the gateway to two of the country's most beautiful national parks — Arches and Canyonlands — Moab benefits from a stunning setting comprising mountain peaks, desert views, and the Colorado River. Understandably, outdoor recreation is a major pastime in this town of about 5,000 residents. But its main drag is also lined with shops and restaurants, attracting visitors from all over the world.

"The market in Moab has undergone a correction and is more balanced now — it continues to move at a slow but steady pace, and has become more favorable for buyers. It's a great time to look at options in our unique, recreation-rich area of Utah," Becky Wells of Summit Sotheby's International Realty said, explaining that most people prefer to live in town to stay close to its amenities and participate in cultural events.

"Castle Valley is another lovely area to the northeast of Moab, which offers a quieter, rural vibe and beautiful scenery that's been featured in many movies," added Wells.

Currently, Moab homes list for a median price of $563,356, according to Zillow .

North Potomac, Maryland

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North Potomac is one of the most desirable communities near Washington, D.C. The town offers easy access to many parks and natural recreational areas, as well as top-notch shopping, dining, and world-class entertainment. Niche.com ranked it the second-best place to live in Maryland for its excellent public schools, family-friendly amenities, and diversity. The town is also home to the headquarters of Montgomery County Road Runners Club, one of the largest and most active running clubs in the country.

"The area experienced huge growth and resurgence during the COVID-19 era, as many Washingtonians flocked to the close suburb given most homes exist on larger-than-average lots. This growth trajectory has no signs of slowing down," Yianni Konstantopoulos, an agent at TTR Sotheby's International Realty , explained, noting the average price point for a single-family home hovers around $875,000 to $925,000, but potential buyers can also find townhouses in the $485,000 to $525,000 range.

Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

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"Imagine living in a place where every stroll is a scenic journey to the sea. Carmel-by-the-Sea offers an enchanting lifestyle characterized by its walkability, strong sense of community, and vibrant local businesses," Susan Cardinale of Sotheby's International Realty — Carmel Brokerage told Travel + Leisure.

Described as " a village in a forest overlooking a white-sand beach ," Carmel has just about 3,000 residents and offers an abundance of natural sights and sounds. Living here has its quirks — homes don't have standard geographical addresses , but proper names. However, its beauty hasn't remained unnoticed, and real estate does come at a steep price.

"The average sales price for June 2024 was $2.53 million, with the year-to-date average being just over $3 million," added Cardinale.

Taos, New Mexico

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Nestled at 6,969 feet in northern New Mexico, Taos is a unique town that blends Native American heritage and culture, art, and spectacular landscapes spanning snowcapped peaks, lush forests, and high desert views. It's home to a vibrant artistic community dating back to the end of the 19th century, when the Taos Society of Artists was founded. Since then, many creatives have found refuge — and inspiration — here, transforming the small mountain town into a world-famous art enclave with a historic plaza, many galleries, and museums. Outdoor enthusiasts will equally thrive here as the Southern Rocky Mountains offer a plethora of four-season activities like skiing , mountain biking, zip lining, and golfing.

"Real estate [...] includes small, traditional, 'adobe-style' homes both in town and rural, as well as condominium and part-time resident properties close to activities," Lisa M. Bybee of Sotheby's International Realty — Santa said.

Current median home prices are below the $500,000 mark, at $456,804, according to Zillow , down almost 10 percent since last year.

Beaufort, South Carolina

The second-oldest city in South Carolina is rooted in history and Southern culture. Beaufort is located on Port Royal Island, so residents enjoy access to many beaches (Hunting Island State Park, just 20 miles east, is a favorite) and plenty of watersports year-round. Those who dream of waterfront living are also in luck.

"The extensive range of waterfront and golf communities provide resort-style living almost everywhere, and the interior island neighborhoods span from upscale, custom-designed homes to beautifully comfortable and friendly havens," Amy Lance Leath, a broker with Daniel Ravenel Sotheby's International Realty , explained. "Popular neighborhoods at the higher end of the market include the historic district in downtown Beaufort, Fripp Island, Distant Island, Habersham, Dataw Island Club, Coosaw Point, and Newpoint, with several up-and-coming neighborhoods such as Cat Island, the town of Port Royal, and other nearby areas.

Best of all, homes in the area are cheaper than the national median — $401,858, according to Zillow , (compared to $420,800).

Rutland, Vermont

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"The beautiful skyline of landmark buildings, set against the backdrop of the stunning Green Mountains, consistently leaves newcomers in awe But, it's the people that make this gem of a place so special, so friendly, and always looking to help," Freddie Ann Bohlig, a local real estate agent at Four Seasons Sotheby's International Realty , said of this small Vermont town with a population of about 15,000. It has a vibrant downtown area, farmers markets, a theater, restaurants, and shops.

"We're conveniently located near the largest ski area in the northeast [Killington Resort] and the largest freshwater lake in Vermont [Lake Bomoseen], offering a wide range of activities that cater to diverse lifestyles," added Bohlig.

She explained the town gained popularity with families and young professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic, but housing has remained affordable, with median home values just below $270,000 .

Berry Hill, Tennessee

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Berry Hill may take up less than a single square mile, but this town — about 15 minutes south of Nashville — is home to dozens of recording studios and music publishers, in addition to hundreds of businesses. The destination was ranked best for young professionals in Tennessee and also has its residents within walking distance of Geodis Park, Nashville's newest sports venue.

Housing options vary, accommodating a diverse range of budgets.

"You can buy a one-bedroom condo for around $250,000 or spend close to a million dollars for new construction or for a teardown to build multiple dwellings, which has happened a lot lately," Blair Blaylock Teasdale, managing broker at Crye-Leike Real Estate Services , said.

A growing number of people are taking notice of the town. "Going forward, the music industry is looking to double down on the area as Universal Music Group eyes the opening of its $250-million production campus, just announced last year ," Jackson Zeitlin of Zeitlin Sotheby's International Realty added.

Williamsburg, Virginia

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Historic Williamsburg , sitting along the banks of the James River, was the first English settlement in the New World, dating back to 1633. Today, the destination offers a captivating blend of history, culture, entertainment, and natural attractions. The community is also famously home to our country's second-oldest university, William & Mary. The town is a 2.5-hour drive from Washington, D.C., and around an hour from Virginia's capital, Richmond, providing residents with even more urban amenities and conveniences. 

"Many residents choose to live near Colonial Williamsburg, where history comes alive every day. Kingsmill, Ford's Colony, and Governor's Land are popular residential areas, each offering a unique lifestyle. These communities boast golf courses, social clubs, and amenities that cater to discerning residents," Mike Stevens of The Steele Group Sotheby's International Realty said.

Branson, Missouri

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"I love to travel, but I'm always so happy to get home to Branson," April Redford, a real estate agent at ReeceNichols , said about this Ozark town of about 13,000 residents, which is known for its natural beauty and affordable real estate market .

" Branson is perfect because whether you want tons of action and activity, or you just want to sit in the shade by the creek and skip rocks, there's something for everyone," she added.

Like many mountain communities that experienced enormous interest and growth during the COVID-19 pandemic, Redford explained that the real estate market has slowed down and "isn't so rushed." However, even after the increased demand, one thing hasn't changed: Branson's affordability.

The current median home value in this town is $262,938, according to Zillow .

Davenport, Florida

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This central Florida town, 35 miles southwest of Orlando, buzzes with activity and growth .

"On the north side, you're right in the mix — close to the amusement parks, water parks, lots of great retail centers, and things to do year-round. South Davenport is definitely more of your local vibe," Renee Anthony, a realtor at Watson Realty Corp. , explained.

Thanks to the town's proximity to two major urban centers, and its affordable real estate market — the median home value is about $370,000 — many families have relocated here, about 100 per month . Anthony noted there are lots of resale and new construction homes at great prices.

Whitefish, Montana

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With world-class skiing in the winter and plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and boating in the summer, Whitefish is an outdoor lover's dream. And while the town welcomes many visitors, its close-knit community of full-time residents remains its best feature, according to local real estate agent Amanda Kelly of Windermere Real Estate .

"The folks here are genuinely welcoming, making it easy to feel at home. It's the perfect mix of small-town charm and outdoor beauty," she said. "There's always something happening, whether it's a farmers market, a local festival, or just hanging out downtown at one of the great restaurants or shops."

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