Top 10 Most Scenic Drives in America

From coast to coast across the United States there are countless scenic drives that certainly help define America, the beautiful. From dramatic mountain roads to beautiful coastal byways there are scenic roads to satisfy the taste of every travel enthusiast. While selecting a top ten of anything represents a certain amount of subjectivity, I have selected ten of the most scenic roads across this beautiful country that represent a cross-section of landscapes and terrain. So fasten your seatbelt, grab your camera, and get ready to hit the road.

Going to the Sun Road, Glacier National Park, Montana

I had the good fortune to visit Glacier National Park back in the summer of 1987. Not having access to the information that we have today I had never seen pictures of or a detailed description of the Going to the Sun Road. Well, I can tell you that this was one of the most memorable drives that I have ever taken.

Going to the sun is certainly an accurate description of this road. If you find yourself in the northwestern corner of Montana visiting Glacier National Park this is a must-do. If you are concerned about driving on a mountain road with numerous switchbacks there are alternative options that will leave the driving to others including tours and shuttles.

This 50-mile jaunt through some of the most scenic country in the United States takes visitors up and over Logan Pass at an elevation of 6,646 feet. Along the way, there are a few sections that may give you some anxiety, especially if you are traveling the road from west to east. For people sitting on the passenger side of the vehicle, you may be exposed to a few sections where your heart may stop briefly, but fear not as thousands of vehicles make this trip every year without incident. Enjoy the ride.

Road to Hana, Maui, Hawaii

The fifty-two-mile drive from Kahului to the small town of Hana, known as the Hana Highway, is one of the legendary scenic drives not just in the Hawaiian Islands but also throughout the world.

This drive, which should not be rushed, will take you over 59 bridges (many of them one-way) and around 620 curves in the road. While this may sound daunting, it is well worth the effort as you will be rewarded with beautiful waterfalls, flourishing rainforests, incredible pools, and magnificent coastal views. Venture ten miles beyond Hana and you come to the Seven Sacred Pools of Oheo. The seven pools are feed by a series of cascading waterfalls and make for a great place to cool off. If you’re feeling energetic you may want to consider a hike up the Pipiwai trail for a dramatic view of the Waimoku Falls, which plunge 400 feet.

Expect to make this a day trip as the drive from Kahului to Hana can take from 3 to 4 hours assuming you are making plenty of stops along the way. Don’t forget to bring your bathing suit, as there are plenty of opportunities to take a dip

Pacific Coast Highway, California

Starting in Monterrey and extending south to Morro Bay, the Pacific Coast Highway (SR 1) runs for 122 miles through some of the most beautiful coastal scenery anywhere. The Big Sur section from Carmel to San Luis Obispo is designated as an All-American Road and is one of only 31 roads across the United States to receive this distinction. There is much to see along the way and this trip could easily be stretched into many days. Make it a point to stop in Monterey to visit the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium and the famous Cannery Row.

Just south of Monterey is the beautiful 17-Mile Drive, which passes right through Pebble Beach and by the infamous Lone Cyprus. Continuing south takes travelers through Carmel-by-the-Sea, Big Sur and eventually to the Hearst Castle in San Simeon.

Driving the Pacific Coast Highway is an unforgettable experience. It’s one of those drives that everyone should make at least once in their lifetime, it’s that beautiful.

Seward Highway, Alaska

This 127 mile scenic highway runs from Anchorage all the way to the small harbor town of Seward. The route takes travelers along a variety landscapes as it runs alongside the Turnagain Arm, across the Kenai Peninsula, and down to Resurrection Bay.

There is so much natural beauty here that it boggles the mind. From snow-capped peaks to beautiful coves and marshes to stunning waterfalls and glaciers the Seward Highway has something to offer everyone. And if all this is not enough there is always the chance that you will encounter some amazing wildlife on this drive including; bald eagles, dall sheep, moose, bear, beavers and if you are lucky maybe a glimpse of the beluga whales that patrol the waters of the Turnagain Arm.

Plan on this trip taking many hours, as you will certainly want to stop and explore as you make your way. Most visitors will plan on spending a few days in Seward, which is the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park and a worthy destination itself.

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The Overseas Highway, Florida Keys

When we made this trip in the winter of 1998 while on our way to spend a few days in Key West. At the time I don’t remember having that great anticipation that one has when about to embark on a great journey over a scenic byway. However, all of that quickly changed once we were out over the Gulf of Mexico with nothing but a 360-degree view of the beautiful turquoise waters of the Gulf. It’s difficult to explain, but when you are out on the Overseas Highway and all you can see for miles in every direction is water you get this strange sensation that you are truly in a one of a kind place.

The Overseas Highway runs for 113 miles from Miami all the way to Key West. Opened in 1938 the Highway encompasses 42 bridges including the famous Seven Mile Bridge. The trip from Miami to Key West will take you approximately 5 hours with stops and if you’re visiting Key West then most likely you will also be driving back so you get to make this scenic drive twice.

Trail Ridge Road, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Located in the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the great mountain roads in the United States and another member of the All-American Road Club.

Traveling just 48 miles from Grand Lake in the west to Estes Park in the east, this road quickly rises in elevation and takes visitors up to an astonishing 12,183 feet in elevation and over the Continental Divide. Trail Ridge Road has the distinction of being the highest continuous paved road in the United States and eleven miles of it are up above the tree line above 11,500 feet.

Not only does Trail Ridge Road offer unparalleled mountain views but it also provides visitors with the opportunity to see Elk, Bighorn Sheep, Mule Deer, Moose and Golden Eagles. Located just 65 miles from Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park and the Trail Ridge Road can be done as a day trip. As always, when traveling in high mountain terrain always come prepared for any conditions as the weather can turn quickly.

Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire

Located in the heart of New Hampshire’s White Mountains is perhaps the most scenic road in the country for viewing the Fall Foliage. Known locally as “The Kanc”, this 34.5 mile drive follows New Hampshire’s Route 112 from Conway in the east to Lincoln in the west.

Surrounded by the lofty White Mountains the Kanc cuts a path through the White Mountain National Forest and takes visitors by rivers and cascading waterfalls. If you happen to be here in the fall you will be greeted with a carpet of brilliant color as the landscape transforms itself in all its colorful glory.

Denali Park Road, Denali National Park, Alaska

Located in one of the most remote National Parks in the country, a trip onto the Denali Park Road is a journey into one of the most beautiful and pristine National Parks.

As the only road into Denali National Park, and paved for only the first 15 miles, this 92 mile road takes visitors through valleys and across mountain passes as it draws closer to Mount McKinley. But for a few rest stop areas with limited facilities, there are no buildings to be seen along most of this road until you arrive at the very end of the road at Kantishna. With auto traffic limited to just a few days each year, for most visitors the preferred way onto the Denali Park Road is on one of the National Park shuttle buses that will take you into the park. While here hopefully you catch a glimpse of the Big Five, as they are known: Grizzly Bear, Moose, Caribou, Dall Sheep and Wolf.

Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina & Virginia

The 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway just may be the longest of America’s most scenic drives. Alternating between beautiful mountain vistas and lush green forests this highway runs along the top of the Appalachian Mountains.

If you’re heading north or south on the east coast and want to avoid the traffic and congestion of the I-95 corridor then take this scenic and leisurely alternative. For a great break along the way visit Mount Mitchell, which at 6,366 feet is the highest peak east of the Mississippi River.

Olympic Peninsula Loop, Washington

Amazingly, a good portion of the Olympic Peninsula was virtually unmapped until as late as the mid 1960’s. Today, visitors can explore the beautiful Olympic Range, visit a dense rainforest, and explore rugged coastal scenery all in one amazing drive.

Whether you do the entire 329-mile loop or just a portion of it you will be driving through some of the countries most rural natural areas. There is much to see along this drive including a trek up to Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park. The views from the ridge are spectacular as you climb up to an elevation of 5,329 feet. Further along on the loop is the Hoh Rainforest, which is the one of the few remaining temperate rainforests in the United States. The Hoh Rainforest receives about 170 inches of rainfall every year that results in this lush, green rainforest. Continuing along the loop eventually takes visitors to the Pacific coastline and the opportunity to explore this rugged yet beautiful stretch of shoreline.

Whether you’re taking just a day trip onto the Olympic Peninsula or spending many days you will be sure to experience another one of the countries great scenic roads.

Ocean Drive, Newport, Rhode Island

For a bonus eleventh drive I am including Ocean Drive in Newport, RI. This ten-mile drive takes visitors from the mansions of Newport along the scenic coastline of this historic summer community. In just 10 short miles visitors will travel past Hammersmith Farm (former summer home of Jackie Kennedy), the famous Breakers Mansion, Fort Adams, and some amazing views of the coastline. If you find yourself in southern New England be sure to plan a trip to Newport and the beautiful Ocean Drive.

I was born and raised in Rhode Island so I felt compelled to include Ocean Drive. While I may be just a tad biased in including this drive, I don’t think you will be disappointed.

© 2012 Bill De Giulio

Comments

Bill De Giulio (author) from Massachusetts on July 03, 2015:

Hi Dan. I have not done that drive although I was close years ago having gone into Yellowstone through Gardiner. Thanks for the tip, have a great Fourth of July weekend.

Dan Smith on July 03, 2015:

pretty spectacular drive from Columbus, Mt. To Red Lodge,Mt. and then take the drive over the Beartooth Mts. Pass to Cody, Wyoming!

Bill De Giulio (author) from Massachusetts on September 07, 2014:

Hi Gene. You are indeed correct. I will make the correction. Mt. Mitchell at 6,366 is certainly the highest peak in the east. Thank you.

Gene B. on September 07, 2014:

Just a slight correction. Grandfather Mountain, while impressive, is not the highest point east of the Mississippi. That honor goes to nearby Mount Mitchell at 6,684 feet. It is just a few miles off the Blue Ridge Parkway and quickly accessible from it.

More impressive to me is the Parkway around Grandfather Mountain, a piece called Linvil Cove Viaduct where the Parkway is literally hung off the side of the mountain.

Bill De Giulio (author) from Massachusetts on January 10, 2014:

Hi Lenzy. Off to Hawaii! How exciting. You will love it. Can't wait to hear all about it when you return.

RI was a great place to grow up, an hour from Boston, the beaches nearby, we really enjoyed it.

Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful trip.

Lenzy from Arlington, Texas on January 10, 2014:

I often travelled the Kancamagus Highway when I was a little girl. We would stop and go for a dip in the rocky streams by the side of the road. Clark's trading post was always included in our adventures, feeding the bears with tin cans and pullys. I didn't realize you were brought up in Rhode Island as well. It was a great place to grow up. I hope to travel the Denali Park Road someday. Today though, it is off to my first trip to Hawaii. I hope to get some great photos and share when I return. Thanks for the great post.

Bill De Giulio (author) from Massachusetts on September 15, 2013:

Hi Lin. Thanks for stopping by and the input. Yeah, there are a lot of beautiful roads that didn't get included. It's such a subjective thing. I have driven through Utah, Arizona and western Colorado and it is beautiful.

lin on September 15, 2013:

You don't have any of the beautiful roads thru the desert. Southeast Utah has some of the greatest scenery in the States. Hwy 95 from Blanding to Hanksville, Utah is outstanding. Hwy 12 from its beginning to end has some of the most unusual desert sites, plus mountain views. Don't forget hwy 129 along the Colorado river from or to Moab. Live in Colorado and do trail ridge several times a year.

Bill De Giulio (author) from Massachusetts on March 31, 2013:

Hi Cathie. Glad you enjoyed the trip around America. Happy Easter.

Hamza Arshad from Pakistan on March 31, 2013:

very detailed and useful information.i like it

Bill De Giulio (author) from Massachusetts on March 20, 2013:

Hi Linden. Lucky you to live in such beautiful areas. Thanks for stopping by and glad you enjoyed the list. Have a great day.

Linden Mazurka from Greensboro on March 19, 2013:

I was lucky enough to live about ten miles from the "Kanc" for about ten years, and now I'm down in North Carolina, not far from the Blue Ridge Parkway. So there's two down. Hopefully I'll get to drive the rest of your list someday!

Bill De Giulio (author) from Massachusetts on December 22, 2012:

Hi Mike. I have made two cross country trips and did go through the mountains of Utah on one of those trips, maybe the same route you were on. It is beautiful and I did consider putting in on the list. Maybe I need to do a top twenty?

Thanks for the visit my friend. I hope to get to your neck of the world some day. Have a great holiday season and a healthy and prosperous 2013. Bill

Micheal from United Kingdom on December 22, 2012:

Hi Bill,

Beautiful photographs of these incredible scenic drives. I have been on the Pacific coast highway and it is stunning.

As you asked for any other great scenic drives. I would add, the drive through the mountains to Utah. Absolutely astonishing.

You certainly do have a most beautiful country.

I was lucky enough to travel across the US in '79, from New York to LA. It was totally amazing.

All the votes.

Bill De Giulio (author) from Massachusetts on December 14, 2012:

Hi saitam. Darn those nasty hurricanes, so unwelcome when folks are vacationing. Hopefully you enjoyed Washington DC, which has much to see and do. Thanks so much for stopping by, I hope you get to Miami and the Keys soon.

MPanta from Lisbon on December 14, 2012:

Nice hub, I thought about doing the Overseas to Key West, but then the isaac hurricane appeared, and so my visited to the US had to be changed, visiting washington DC instead of Miami and Key West.

Bill De Giulio (author) from Massachusetts on December 09, 2012:

Hi Doodlehead. Love the name by the way. It certainly is a beautiful country that we have here. Glad you enjoyed the trip. Thanks for stopping by.

Doodlehead from Northern California on December 09, 2012:

This hub is a tribute to the beautiful USA. I've not done the Overseas Highway drive; that would be fun.maybe some day.

Paul Richard Kuehn from Udorn City, Thailand on December 08, 2012:

Perhaps it was the Logan Canyon Scenic Byway, but I'm not sure. I do remember that the road followed the ?Snake? River. Thanks again for the hub and your answer.

Bill De Giulio (author) from Massachusetts on December 08, 2012:

Hi Paul. Thanks for stopping by. There is the Logan Canyon Scenic Byway that heads north from Salt Lake City into Idaho and then up to Yellowstone? Not sure if this is the road you are referring to? That is a beautiful area.

The Overseas Highway is a beautiful one also if you get the chance. Many thanks for the vote, share, etc. Have a great day.

Paul Richard Kuehn from Udorn City, Thailand on December 08, 2012:

This is an awesome hub and you really have some fantastic pictures. When I was younger，I spent almost a year in the Monterey area and got to go on the Pacific Highway 1. Breathtaking! I would like to take the road from Miami to the Keys the next time I'm in the States. While staying in Salt Lake City for a week, I drove up to Yellowstone National Park. The road approaching Yellowstone from the south out of Utah was very beautiful but I don't know its name. Can you help me? Voted up as awesome, sharing, and pinning.

Bill De Giulio (author) from Massachusetts on December 03, 2012:

Hi Thelma. Thanks for stopping by to read. I'm sure you get to some of these someday. I'm willing to bet that there are just as many awesome places in Germany? Thanks for the vote, etc. Have a great day.

Thelma Alberts from Germany on December 03, 2012:

Wow! These are great places to visit. I´ve never been in one of the places. Your photos are awesome. Thanks for sharing. Voted up and more;-)

Bill De Giulio (author) from Massachusetts on November 17, 2012:

Hi Sabrina. You are absolutely correct, we have so many beautiful places to see right here in America. You will enjoy the Overseas Highway when you get there. One of the benefits of traveling the Overseas Highway is that it ends in Key West which is wonderful.

Many thanks for stopping by. Have a great weekend.

TNSabrina on November 17, 2012:

I have been waiting for the day when I can just travel across America. This is an awesome list! We have so many beautiful place right here in America that I have yet to see! The one I’d like to see the most on this list is The Overseas Highway.

Bill De Giulio (author) from Massachusetts on October 28, 2012:

Hi theframjak. Thanks for stopping by. They are all beautiful in their own way. Hopefully you make it to all of them. Thanks again.

theframjak from East Coast on October 28, 2012:

Great hub. I've been on 3 of the roads and hopefully I will be a able to make it to all of them some day.

Bill De Giulio (author) from Massachusetts on October 13, 2012:

Hi Suzie. I'm sure there are plenty of beautiful drives throughout Ireland. The Road to the Sun drive was one of my favorites also. Probably the most scared I have ever been in a car but absolutely amazing. Maybe on your next trip here you'll get a chance to experience a few of these.

Thanks so much for stopping by and you have a great weekend also.

Suzanne Ridgeway from Dublin, Ireland on October 13, 2012:

Hi Bill,

How I didn't get to this is beyond me! WOW, what stunning drives there are here! Sadly I have not been on any of them in my trips to America but would love to do many of them! The sun drive was my favourite it looks spectacular. Very impressive with the number you have been on Bill! You do get around don't you!! Fabulous info and pics transported me there, well written Bill with great attention to detail as always.

VU, Across the board, shared ! Have a great weekend!!

Bill De Giulio (author) from Massachusetts on September 28, 2012:

Hi nakmeister. Hopefully you get a chance to drive them all someday. The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the best. Thank You.

nakmeister from Lancaster, UK on September 28, 2012:

A great selection of scenic drives - I'll bookmark this and come back to it again when I next go to America on holiday. I've only done one - Blue Ridge Parkway, so nine to go!

Bill De Giulio (author) from Massachusetts on August 17, 2012:

That's right Joanie, if we can't get there ourselves that's the next best thing? It's seems based on the voting that you picked the right scenic drive to have taken. The PCH is clearly the favorite at the Moment.

What a neat place you discovered with the tree growing right in the middle of the building. Would like to see that someday.

Thank you for reading, commenting and the vote. Have a great day.

joaniebaby on August 17, 2012:

Voted up , beautiful and interesting. The only one I have been on is the Pacific Coast Highway and it was beautiful. One memory we have of that drive was an art gallery/restaurant that we stopped in along the way. It was interesting as it had a tree growing right in the middle of the building. Thanks for this great hub. I don't know if we will ever be able to drive any of the others as we are getting beyond the age of driving too far anymore. But we can still dream, right?

Bill De Giulio (author) from Massachusetts on August 16, 2012:

Hi Conservative Lady. I love road trips also. Such a great way to see this beautiful country. Still plenty of nice weather left this summer to hit the road! Good luck and thank you for the read and vote, very much appreciated.

Bill De Giulio (author) from Massachusetts on August 16, 2012:

Hi Brenda. Thank you for the visit. Hopefully you can take a road trip soon. Sometimes it doesn't matter where we go, we just need to get away. Thanks again for the nice comments.

Bill De Giulio (author) from Massachusetts on August 16, 2012:

Hi Laura. Didn't you just love driving through Glacier NP, just spectacular. I was in Idaho years ago, drove through Kalispell but don't think I was near Bear Lake or Coeur d'Alene, sounds like I would have remembered it. Will have to add it to my list :) Thanks so much for the nice comments and the tip. Happy trails to you also.

Sheila from Surprise Arizona - formerly resided in Washington State on August 15, 2012:

I really enjoyed this hub, the pictures are spectacular - I had to go back and look at them a couple of times. I love road trips and hope to check out a few more of your top 10! Voted Up and all.

Brenda Kyle from Blue Springs, Missouri, USA on August 15, 2012:

Such an enjoyable hub. I need a road trip right about now. I love taking in all the sights, relaxing and stopping at places with tremendous views. Great Pictures!

lauramaryscott from Boise, Idaho on August 15, 2012:

bdegiulio, thank you for writing this Hub. The photos were wonderful. When I was young, we had a Nash Rambler with glasspack pipes. Mom let me drive through Glacier National Park on our way to see relatives in Canada. I can still remember the echoes from the pipes. Good memories. May I suggest you drive Idaho from Utah up the mountain and top the ridge to see beautiful Bear Lake at sunrise and then drive through Thousand Springs in Hagerman valley to McCall and then onto Coeur d'Alene. You will see places along the way that are beautiful to behold. Happy trails to you...

Bill De Giulio (author) from Massachusetts on August 15, 2012:

Thanks Christy. I find myself reading this hub over and over as it's one of my favorites and brings back such great memories. Actually I read them over and over looking for things to improve also.

As always I very much appreciate your support. Thank you for the share. Have a sparkling day.

Christy Birmingham from British Columbia, Canada on August 15, 2012:

I am back for another read today of this hub as it is a great one :) I will share with my followers while I am here too, it deserves the bump!