Scenic road trips across the US for breathtaking views and memorable adventures

1. Florida Keys Overseas Highway: tropical bridges and coral reefs

Travel the Overseas Highway between Key Largo and Key West for a scenic road trip unlike any other in America. This 113-mile route links barrier islands via 42 bridges, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic and Gulf. Attractions include John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the Turtle Hospital in Marathon, and mouthwatering key lime pie at Blond Giraffe. Don’t miss Rain Barrel Village’s artsy souvenirs and a photo with Betsy the lobster.

2. Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway: California to Oregon’s volcano loop

Journey the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway for a 500-mile scenic road trip spanning two states. Discover extinct volcanoes, Lava Beds National Monument caves, and breathtaking Burney Falls. This route traverses forests, serene wilderness, and provides access to the Pacific Crest Trail, a geologist’s paradise in America.

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3. Great River Road: Mississippi states through culture and history

Follow the Mississippi River across ten states on a nearly 3,000-mile scenic road trip. Explore Civil War sites, Delta blues history in Mississippi, brewery tours in Wisconsin, and local cuisine from St. Louis to New Orleans. This route connects diverse cultural gems across America’s heartland.

4. Maine’s Bold Coast National Scenic Byway: rugged Atlantic splendor

The Bold Coast Byway stretches 147 miles of rocky shoreline, lighthouses, and blueberry country in Maine. This often-overlooked scenic road trip traces the easternmost point of America, from Milbridge to Lubec, offering sunrise views, wild blueberries, and quiet coastal beauty.

5. Natchez Trace Parkway: historic Americana from Natchez to Nashville

Cruise 444 miles on the Natchez Trace Parkway, the ideal scenic road trip for history lovers. Highlights include Meriwether Lewis’s grave monument, Cypress Swamp, and the Wichahpi Stone Wall, plus detours to Tupelo’s Elvis birthplace and Muscle Shoals Sound Studio.

6. Wyoming Wind River Country Loop: mountains, native heritage, adventure

Circle the Continental Divide on a 480-mile scenic road trip through Wyoming’s Wind River Country, past Yellowstone, Grand Teton, the Wind River Indian Reservation, and serene hot springs. This America-centered route balances rugged scenery with cultural immersion.

7. Utah’s five national parks loop: a week of awe-inspiring landscapes

Pack over 1,000 miles into a weeklong scenic road trip through Utah, linking five national parks: Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion. Enjoy fiery canyons, petroglyphs, and hidden areas like Kolob Canyons. It’s a breathtaking slice of America’s red rock country.

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8. Great Lakes Seaway Trail: lakes, history, and Thousand Islands

The Seaway Trail spans 518 miles along Lakes Erie and Ontario, your scenic road trip through the Great Lakes. Highlights include Presque Isle beaches, Niagara Falls, War of 1812 history, quaint towns, wineries, and boat tours to Boldt Castle. A distinctive America drive through freshwater beauty.