15 Scenic Roads In The US Everyone Should Drive Down At Least Once
Buckle up and prepare to be swept away by the awe-inspiring beauty of the United States. This vast land, blessed with a cornucopia of natural wonders, beckons you to embark on unforgettable road trips. Brace yourself for a whirlwind of emotions as you traverse the 15 scenic roads that epitomize the mesmerizing tapestry of American landscapes. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or an intrepid seeker of adventure, these routes are destined to leave an indelible mark on your soul.
1. Pacific Coast Highway, California:
Unleash your senses as you embark on a captivating journey along California’s Pacific Coast Highway. Feel the salty breeze caress your face as you feast your eyes on the ever-unfolding drama of the Pacific Ocean. Behold the dramatic cliffs that stand defiantly against the crashing waves, and immerse yourself in the enchanting allure of coastal towns like Big Sur. Prepare to be spellbound by the architectural marvel that is the Bixby Creek Bridge and surrender to the allure of the breathtaking McWay Falls.
Photo: unsplash.com/coc6
2. Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina and Virginia:
Unleash your wanderlust amidst the undulating beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Wind your way along the meandering path of the Blue Ridge Parkway, where vibrant hues of fall foliage paint a breathtaking tableau. Allow the cascading waterfalls to serenade your senses, while rolling hills beckon you to explore their hidden secrets. Take a detour to immerse yourself in the splendor of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or revel in the richness of history that adorns the route.
Photo: unsplash.com/claybanks
3. Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana:
Unleash your adventurous spirit and succumb to the siren call of Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road. Prepare for a mind-boggling sensory overload as you bear witness to nature’s masterpiece. Feast your eyes upon glacial lakes that shimmer like jewels, as towering peaks pierce the sky with their majestic presence. Lose yourself in the embrace of pristine wilderness, where every twist and turn unravels a new facet of nature’s grandeur.
Photo: unsplash.com/tevintrinh
4. Overseas Highway, Florida:
Unleash your inner escapade as you embark on an otherworldly drive along Florida’s mesmerizing Overseas Highway. Traverse the ethereal expanse of the Atlantic Ocean on a road that defies convention. Surrender to panoramic vistas that stretch as far as the eye can see. Be captivated by breathtaking sunsets that paint the sky with a kaleidoscope of colors. And as you traverse the iconic Seven Mile Bridge, lose yourself in a tropical paradise that defies description.
Photo: unsplash.com/lgtts
5. Beartooth Highway, Montana and Wyoming:
Unleash your sense of wonder on an odyssey through the untamed majesty of the Beartooth Highway. Brace yourself for a symphony of natural wonders as you venture into the heart of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. Revel in the embrace of snow-capped peaks that touch the heavens, while alpine meadows whisper tales of serenity. Serene lakes mirror the ethereal beauty that surrounds you, as you navigate this high-elevation route that pushes the boundaries of your imagination.
Photo: unsplash.com/craigk
6. Highway 1, Maine:
Unleash your inner explorer as you surrender to the rugged allure of Maine’s Highway 1. Allow the pristine beauty of the coastline to seduce your senses, as picturesque fishing villages welcome you with open arms. Stand in awe of stoic lighthouses that guard the shores, while rocky landscapes create a dramatic backdrop for your journey. Traverse this quintessential New England experience and lose yourself in the rugged charm that defines Maine’s rugged coastline.
Photo: unsplash.com/jackcohen
7. The Loneliest Road, Nevada:
Unleash your spirit of solitude as you dare to venture along Nevada’s enigmatic Highway 50, aptly named “The Loneliest Road.” Embrace the remoteness and desolation that envelops you as you traverse this road less traveled. Surrender to the expansiveness of the desert landscapes, where solitude becomes a faithful companion. Bear witness to breathtaking sunsets that paint the sky with a fiery palette, igniting a sense of wonder within your soul.
Photo: unsplash.com/abhiver
8. Hana Highway, Hawaii:
Unleash your craving for adventure as you surrender to the winding allure of Hawaii’s Hana Highway. Prepare for a sensory assault as lush rainforests envelop you, and cascading waterfalls serenade your every step. Navigate 600 curves and traverse 54 bridges on a road that tantalizes with each twist and turn. Embrace the exhilaration of a drive that offers unparalleled views at every bend, rewarding your senses with a symphony of breathtaking vistas.
Photo: unsplash.com/kfitzdor
9. Million Dollar Highway, Colorado:
Unleash your inner thrill-seeker as you conquer the adrenaline-pumping journey along Colorado’s Million Dollar Highway. Brace yourself for a roller coaster of emotions as you navigate hairpin turns that defy gravity. Stand on the precipice of sheer cliffs that plunge into the abyss below. Indulge in the majestic views that greet you at every juncture, revealing rugged peaks and picturesque alpine valleys. This thrilling mountain road will leave you breathless and craving more.
Photo: unsplash.com/kait_herzog
10. Historic Route 66, Illinois to California:
Unleash your nostalgia and dive headfirst into the essence of the American road trip along the legendary Historic Route 66. Embark on a journey through time, traversing small towns steeped in history, while iconic roadside attractions beckon you with their quirky allure. Let vast open landscapes embrace your spirit as you immerse yourself in the heartland of the United States. Experience a slice of Americana that resonates deep within your soul.
Photo: unsplash.com/emvillal
11. Beartooth Scenic Byway, Montana and Wyoming:
Unleash your wild side as you navigate the untamed beauty of the Beartooth Scenic Byway in the majestic Rocky Mountains. Surrender to panoramic vistas that stretch to the horizon, as pristine alpine lakes mirror the azure sky above. Allow the possibility of spotting wildlife to ignite your senses, while elevations above 10,000 feet transport you to a realm where nature reigns supreme. Embark on this odyssey through the Beartooth Pass and the enchanting Shoshone National Forest.
Photo: unsplash.com/jdandrews
12. Red Rock Scenic Byway, Arizona:
Unleash your sense of awe as you succumb to the spellbinding allure of Arizona’s Red Rock Scenic Byway. Traverse this mesmerizing drive in Sedona, where towering sandstone cliffs create a surreal landscape. Wind your way through Oak Creek Canyon, where nature’s grandeur takes center stage. Bear witness to the breathtaking beauty of vibrant desert landscapes that captivate the senses. Surrender to the magnetic pull of this red rock paradise and let its enchantment wash over you.
Photo: commons.wikimedia.org
13. Great River Road, Mississippi River:
Unleash your sense of history as you journey along the Great River Road, tracing the course of the mighty Mississippi River. Immerse yourself in the scenic beauty that unfolds before your eyes, while historical significance weaves its tapestry along the route. Travel through ten states and embrace the charm of river towns that exude timeless allure. Gaze upon majestic bluffs that stand as sentinels of the river’s majesty, and witness iconic paddlewheelers navigating its timeless waters.
Photo: unsplash.com/jlwilkens
14. Columbia River Highway, Oregon:
Unleash your sense of wonder as you follow the mesmerizing path of Oregon’s Columbia River Highway. Be transported to a realm where nature’s majesty reigns supreme. Prepare to be captivated by the symphony of waterfalls that cascade down lush cliffs, while dense forests envelop you in their verdant embrace. Feast your eyes upon the breathtaking beauty of the Columbia River Gorge, where the rhythmic flow of the river is accompanied by the chorus of nature. Immerse yourself in the allure of iconic landmarks like the awe-inspiring Multnomah Falls, the regal Crown Point Vista House, and the scenic trails that wind their way through this enchanting landscape.
Photo: unsplash.com/gcalebjones
15. Route 12, Utah:
Unleash your spirit of adventure on the “All-American Road” that is Route 12, as it carries you through the stunning red rock country of Utah. Surrender to the surreal beauty that surrounds you, as the vibrant hues of the red rocks ignite a sense of wonder within your soul. Explore the otherworldly landscapes of Bryce Canyon National Park, where towering hoodoos defy gravity. Lose yourself in the rugged grandeur of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and be captivated by the awe-inspiring vistas of Capitol Reef National Park. This journey promises to leave you in a state of awe and wonder.
Photo: unsplash.com/cactuskace
