The United States is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, from snow-capped mountains and rugged coastlines to sprawling deserts and lush forests. One of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of the country is by taking a scenic drive. In this list, we’ve compiled 20 of the most breathtaking drives in the USA, each with its own unique features and charm.
1. Pacific Coast Highway, California
The Pacific Coast Highway connects San Francisco to San Diego and is 655 miles long. This classic route provides breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, rocky cliffs, and sandy beaches, as well as access to lovely coastal towns and cities.
2. Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina and Virginia
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile trip through the Appalachian Mountains. This picturesque route provides stunning views of the mountains, forests, and valleys, as well as access to hiking trails, waterfalls, and other natural attractions.
3. Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana
The Going-to-the-Sun Road traverses Glacier National Park for 50 miles. This picturesque journey provides breathtaking views of the park’s glaciers, mountains, and lakes, as well as access to hiking trails, wildlife observation sites, and other natural wonders.
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4. Highway 101, Oregon
Highway 101 is a 363-mile section of road that runs along the Oregon Coast. This gorgeous route provides breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, craggy cliffs, and sandy beaches, as well as access to charming coastal towns and cities.
5. Million Dollar Highway, Colorado
The Million Dollar Highway goes across the San Juan Mountains for 25 km. This picturesque route provides stunning views of mountains, forests, and valleys, as well as access to hiking trails, hot springs, and other natural attractions.
6. Beartooth Highway, Montana and Wyoming
The Beartooth Highway runs for 68 miles through the Beartooth Mountains. This picturesque route provides breathtaking views of the mountains, valleys, and alpine lakes, as well as access to hiking trails, wildlife observation sites, and other natural wonders.
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7. Hana Highway, Hawaii
The Hana Highway is a 52-mile trip along Maui’s east coast that passes through lush forests and waterfalls. This gorgeous road provides breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, as well as access to hiking trails, beaches, and other natural wonders.
8. Great River Road, Mississippi
The Great River Road is a 3,000-mile road that runs from Minnesota to Louisiana along the Mississippi River. This gorgeous trip provides breathtaking river vistas as well as access to historic villages, plantations, and other cultural treasures.The Great River Road is a 3,000-mile road that runs from Minnesota to Louisiana along the Mississippi River. This gorgeous trip provides breathtaking river vistas as well as access to historic villages, plantations, and other cultural treasures.
9. Acadia All-American Road, Maine
The Acadia All-American Road travels through Acadia National Park for 40 km. This picturesque route provides breathtaking views of the ocean, mountains, and woods, as well as access to hiking trails, wildlife observation places, and other natural wonders.
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10. Red Rock Scenic Byway, Arizona
The Red Rock Scenic Byway is a 7.5-mile journey through the red rock formations of Sedona. This picturesque route provides breathtaking views of the mountains as well as access to hiking trails, art galleries, and other cultural activities.
11. Historic Columbia River Highway, Oregon
The 74-mile Historic Columbia River Highway winds across the Columbia River Gorge. This picturesque road provides breathtaking views of the canyon, waterfalls, and forests, as well as access to hiking trails, vineyards, and other natural and cultural wonders.
12. San Juan Skyway, Colorado
The 236-mile San Juan Skyway winds through the San Juan Mountains. This picturesque journey provides stunning views of mountains, valleys, and alpine lakes, as well as access to old mining towns, hot springs, and other cultural sites.
13. Overseas Highway, Florida
The Overseas Highway runs through the Florida Keys for 113 km. This gorgeous journey provides breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean, as well as access to beaches, snorkeling areas, and other water sports.
14. Skyline Drive, Virginia
Skyline Road runs across Shenandoah National Park for 105 miles. This scenic route provides stunning vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains as well as access to hiking trails, waterfalls, and other natural wonders.
15. Route 66, Arizona to California
Route 66 is a historic 2,400-mile road that connects Chicago and Santa Monica. The portion through Arizona and California provides breathtaking vistas of the desert landscapes as well as access to eccentric roadside attractions, historic cities, and other cultural sites.
16. White Mountains Trail, New Hampshire
The White Mountains Trail is a 100-mile scenic route through the White Mountains. This picturesque drive provides stunning views of mountains, forests, and lakes, as well as access to hiking trails, waterfalls, and other natural attractions.
17. Talimena Scenic Drive, Arkansas and Oklahoma
The Talimena Scenic Road traverses the Ouachita Mountains for 54 miles. This picturesque journey provides breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys, as well as access to hiking trails, waterfalls, and other natural wonders.
18. Great Lakes Seaway Trail, New York and Pennsylvania
The Great Lakes Seaway Trail is a 518-mile route that follows Lake Erie and Lake Ontario’s coasts. This picturesque road provides stunning lake vistas as well as access to beaches, lighthouses, and other water activities.
19. Highway 12, Utah
Highway 12 is a 124-mile trip through some of Utah’s most beautiful landscapes, including Bryce Canyon National Park and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. This picturesque route provides spectacular views of canyons, hoodoos, and other rock formations.
20. The Loneliest Road, Nevada
The Loneliest Road is a 400-mile journey through Nevada. This picturesque trip provides breathtaking views of desert landscapes as well as access to historic villages, hot springs, and other cultural sites.
Would you try any of these?
These 20 scenic drives in the USA offer visitors the opportunity to experience some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the country. From winding mountain roads to coastal highways, each drive on this list offers its own unique features and charm. So, whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, be sure to add these scenic drives to your bucket list.
Jessica is a published author and copywriter specializing in personal and investment finance. Her expertise is in financial product reviews and stock market education.
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