America’s Most Scenic Drives

Pacific Coast Highway

If life is truly a journey, and not a destination, then can't a vacation be one as well? Isn't it time to avoid the superhighways crammed with billboard advertisements and congested aggression, and instead find a back road, take a leisurely drive, and relax in the splendor of nature? Here are our top picks for some of the most scenic roads in the United States.

The Pacific Coast Highway in California recalls the French or Italian countryside, with rows of vineyards, sweeping ocean views, jutting cliffs, and adorable little towns. Hugging the coastline and covering 122 miles, this could easily be a day trip from San Francisco, or a weeklong excursion, depending on time. Some of the more popular stops such as Big Sur and San Luis Obispo tend to get crowded.

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

Traversing Glacier National Park, the Going-to-the-Sun Road is a winding, breathtaking stretch of 52 miles that takes you past dramatic views of glacial lakes, alpine tundra, and cedar forests. The pullouts along the road give you a chance to take photos and watch for wildlife such as mountain goats and big horn sheep.

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Outer Banks, North Carolina

A trip down the highway linking the barrier islands of North Carolina's Outer Banks promises views of the largest estuary system in the world, massive sand dunes, maritime forests, long stretches of undeveloped beaches within Cape Hatteras National Seashore. A free 40-minute ferry ride is required to reach Ocracoke Island, the southernmost point on the Outer Banks.

Blueridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway has been referred to as America's Favorite Drive, and it's really no wonder when you consider the different terrain and spectacular views it offers. Its 469 miles of paved road connect Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina, passing through farmland and forested valleys and over mountain passes along the way. You can camp in one of the national park campgrounds for as little as $15 a night.

Maine Coast

From the rocky shores of Acadia National Park to the small fishing villages and majestic lighthouses of Route 1, Maine's coastline offers a bounty of scenic drives. Along the way up the coast, you'll encounter numerous small villages with local antiques, fresh fruit and flea markets, as well as a few larger towns including Portland and Camden, both of which are known for fresh seafood and ocean-based activities such as sea kayaking and sailing.

The Beartooth Road, Montana

Just when you think you've seen all the natural wonder you can handle in Yellowstone National Park, think again. At the park's Northeast entrance, The Beartooth All-American Road is the highest elevation highway in the Northern Rockies, spanning the Beartooth Mountain range in Montana and Wyoming. Charles Kuralt called it "the most beautiful drive in America," and for good reason. The 69-mile stretch of road climbs to incredible heights and offers dazzling views to match.

San Juan Skyway

Colorado's San Juan Skyway covers 233 miles and climbs 14,000 feet into the San Juan Mountains. Along the way, you will encounter Victorian gold-mining towns such as Durango and Silverton, where you can shop, eat, and stretch. The "road to the sky" offers natural beauty as well, with waterfalls, wildflowers, and jagged cliffs. It's possible to drive the Skyway in five hours, but one to two days are recommended. If you feel a bit adventurous and thrifty, you can create your own lodging in a forest campground.

Great River Road

Many of us have dreamed of following in the footsteps of Huck Finn on his epic journey down the Mississippi. There's no need to float down in a raft, however. The Great River Road follows the Mississippi River for more than 2,000 miles, crossing the borders of seven states, and giving drivers and passengers a chance to be modern-day Huckleberrys. Budget at least six days for the trip.

Road To Hana

With 600 curves and 54 bridges, the road to Hana ensures that people slow down and appreciate Maui's northeastern coastline. The 52 miles from Kahului can take anywhere from two to four hours to drive, depending on the traffic along the hairpin turns. However, the surrounding views make that time completely inconsequential, as it passes waterfalls, lush wildlife, and picture-perfect beaches.

Overseas Highway

A series of long bridges passing right over the ocean, this 127-mile route connects the islands of the Florida Keys. The Overseas Highway is the perfect way to begin any vacation to the Keys, requiring only three-and-a-half hours to reach Key West from the mainland. The highway is completely surrounded by water for most of the journey, passing through fishing villages and resort areas. There are places to camp along the way, but budget accommodations are also available. And at the end of the drive, when you reach mile marker 0, you can say you drove to the southernmost point in the United States.