Many people think of roads as just a way to travel from point A to point B; they are also how you get to the beautiful, picturesque locations you wish to see. But after spending a lot of time driving across the United States, including two major road trips through the American West (definitely some of the most scenic drives! ), as well as numerous smaller trips, I realized that some roads are destinations in and of themselves, which is why I put together this list of most scenic drives in the USA.
These roads aren't simply a path to someplace lovely; they're breathtaking in and of themselves, and you'll be searching for spots to stop so you can snap more pictures.
I believe that everyone should spend some time traveling aimlessly throughout the nation, learning more about its locations, history, and people.
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1. Washington's Olympic Peninsula Loop
Highway 101 is a route I'm quite acquainted with, having grown up in the region and spent a lot of time exploring it, but it's always special to me.
The road circles Olympic National Park, one of the most incredible national parks in the country, with a lot of variety, but it's also beautiful because you can drive along the Hood Canal, through towering green forests beneath snow-capped peaks, along the shores of the beautiful and deep Lake Crescent, and all the way to the Pacific Ocean.
Eat at the Little Creek Casino's Squaxin Island Seafood Bar for extremely fresh and tasty seafood that would cost twice as much in Seattle or any other major city.
Driving up to Hurricane Ridge for a glimpse of the mountains, through the Hoh Rainforest (maybe climb Mount Olympus! ), or along the many natural beaches near La Push are all worthwhile detours (and beyond).
2. California's Pacific Coast Highway
California's legendary Highway 1 is a beautiful journey that spans the length of much of the Pacific Coast and includes some really breathtaking scenery along the route.
The route includes the well-known Big Sur portion, the Golden Gate Bridge, and miles and miles of breathtaking coastline.
Detour: Take the road northbound to Highway 101 and the California Redwoods, which is unquestionably one of the most beautiful drives in the state. Do you want to explore the Adirondacks? Here are the top things to do in the Adirondacks.
3. Utah Highway 12
Highway 12 in Southern Utah is one of the most beautiful drives I've ever seen, and it's one of my favorites on this list. The path winds through red rock terrain, passing through high mesas and stunning buttes.
It will take you past Bryce Canyon National Park and Grand-Staircase Escalante National Monument, two of my favorite places in Utah, before leading you up to the edge of Capitol Reef National Park, which is stunning in its own right, so if you're planning a Utah national park road trip, it's a great way to connect a few places.
The stretch between Escalante and Boulder, which includes a road cut into a narrow perch that slopes down on both sides and provides commanding vistas of the surrounding scenery, is my favorite part of the route. You have the sensation of flying through the air.
Eat: Escalante Outfitters in Escalante serves up some really tasty calzones.
Detour: Visit the slot canyons or Coyote Gulch by driving down Hole-in-the-Rock Road into Grand Staircase-Escalante.
4. Virginia's Blue Ridge Parkway
Skyline Drive, which runs through Shenandoah National Park and connects to the Blue Ridge Parkway to the south, offers some of the most spectacular views in the mid-Atlantic. This beautiful road runs along the spine of the Appalachian Mountains and provides breathtaking views to the east and west.
While I was living in Washington, DC, I spent a lot of my spare time hiking and camping in the region, and this was one of my favorite places to visit.
Eat at Devils Backbone Brewing Company, which is located near the Wintergreen Ski Resort and serves excellent pub fare and locally made beer.
Detour: Climb to the top of Old Rag, climb Three Ridges, or explore one of Virginia's other great hikes.
5. Oregon's Highway 101
Highway 101 runs the length of Oregon's beautiful coastline, hugging it closely for the bulk of the state's length.
Winding coastal roads and crashing waves await you, with destinations including the village where Goonies and Kindergarten Cop were shot, Haystack Rock on the northern end, Seal Rock, and a rough and untamed coastline.
You should also attempt to fit in a visit to Thor's Well or the Devil's Churn for some really breathtaking coastline views.
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