Road trips are one of the most iconic ways to explore America. From towering mountains and coastal cliffs to winding desert highways, the scenic drives in the USA offer something for every traveler. Whether you’re chasing adventure, relaxation, or breathtaking views, the open road gives you the freedom to experience it all. In this guide, we’ll take you through the top 10 scenic drives in USA, detailing what makes each one special and the type of car best suited for the journey. By the end, you’ll know exactly where to head for your next great American road trip.
One of the most famous and best scenic drives in USA, the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) stretches along California’s coastline, offering dramatic ocean views, rugged cliffs, and charming seaside towns. Key stops include Big Sur, Monterey, and Malibu.
Perfect Car for the Trip: A convertible like the Ford Mustang or Chevrolet Camaro lets you soak in the coastal breeze and enjoy open-air driving.
Nicknamed “America’s Favorite Drive,” this 469-mile stretch connects Shenandoah National Park with the Great Smoky Mountains. The road is especially stunning in autumn when vibrant fall colors cover the hills.
Perfect Car for the Trip: A comfortable SUV such as the Toyota Highlander or Honda CR-V ensures you can handle winding roads while carrying gear for hikes and picnics.
No list of scenic drives in the USA is complete without Route 66. Known as the “Mother Road,” it spans eight states and is filled with nostalgic Americana, quirky roadside attractions, and historic diners.
Perfect Car for the Trip: A classic muscle car like a Dodge Challenger or even a reliable sedan like the Honda Accord balances comfort with long-distance durability.
Located in Glacier National Park, this 50-mile drive offers jaw-dropping mountain landscapes, glaciers, waterfalls, and wildlife sightings. The narrow winding road is only open in summer due to snow.
Perfect Car for the Trip: A compact SUV like the Subaru Outback or Jeep Cherokee is ideal for navigating tight turns while providing enough power for mountain climbs.
This 113-mile highway connects Miami to Key West across a series of bridges and islands, including the iconic Seven Mile Bridge. With turquoise waters on both sides, it’s one of the best scenic drives in USA for a tropical vibe.
Perfect Car for the Trip: A convertible or luxury sedan like the BMW 4 Series Convertible makes the journey stylish and breezy.
Part of U.S. Route 550, this high-altitude road runs between Ouray and Silverton, offering thrilling mountain passes, sharp curves, and panoramic Rocky Mountain views.
Perfect Car for the Trip: A sturdy SUV with excellent handling, like the Jeep Wrangler or Toyota 4Runner, ensures safety and control on steep, curvy roads.
This 122-mile stretch through southern Utah connects Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Parks. Red rock formations, canyons, and mesas make it a photographer’s paradise.
Perfect Car for the Trip: A crossover like the Ford Escape or Kia Sportage gives you the flexibility to explore both highways and off-road trails.
The Hana Highway is a winding coastal road with over 600 curves and 50 one-lane bridges, offering lush rainforests, waterfalls, and ocean views. It’s a challenging but unforgettable drive.
Perfect Car for the Trip: A compact car like the Mazda CX-30 or Jeep Renegade provides agility for tight curves and easy maneuvering on narrow stretches.
Stretching nearly 3,000 miles across 10 states, the Great River Road follows the Mississippi River. Travelers enjoy views of farmland, forests, and river towns with rich cultural history.
Perfect Car for the Trip: A fuel-efficient sedan like the Toyota Camry or Hyundai Sonata makes sense for covering long distances comfortably.
This drive runs east of Portland and follows the Columbia River, with spectacular views of cliffs, waterfalls, and lush forests. Don’t miss Multnomah Falls, one of the most famous stops.
Perfect Car for the Trip: A hybrid SUV like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offers eco-friendly performance for those who want to reduce emissions while exploring.
The scenic drives in the USA are more than just about reaching a destination—they’re about the journey itself. They allow travelers to immerse in natural beauty, discover local culture, and enjoy freedom at their own pace. Whether it’s coastal routes, desert landscapes, or mountain highways, every road tells a unique story.
Exploring the top 10 scenic drives in USA ensures you experience diverse landscapes, from Pacific beaches and Hawaiian jungles to Appalachian hills and Rocky Mountain passes. For those seeking adventure, relaxation, or photography opportunities, these are truly the best scenic drives in USA worth exploring.
Taking the scenic drives in the USA is one of the most memorable ways to experience the country’s natural and cultural diversity. From winding coastal highways to breathtaking mountain passes, the top 10 scenic drives in USA promise adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable memories. Pair your trip with the right car, and you’ll discover why these routes are celebrated as the best scenic drives in USA for road trippers worldwide..
A: The Pacific Coast Highway in California is widely considered the most famous, offering breathtaking ocean views and iconic stops like Big Sur and Malibu.
A: It depends on the region. Mountain drives like Going-to-the-Sun Road are best in summer, while Blue Ridge Parkway is stunning in autumn. Coastal drives are enjoyable year-round.
A:Consider the terrain. Convertibles are great for coastal routes, SUVs are ideal for mountains, and sedans are perfect for long, flat drives like Route 66.
A: Yes, most are family-friendly. Just plan stops for food, restrooms, and sightseeing to keep the journey comfortable for kids and adults alike.
