Buckle up, adventure seekers! This year’s most scenic road trips are calling, and they promise to take you on a journey through America’s breathtaking landscapes, hidden gems, and cultural treasures. From coastal cliffs to alpine peaks, these drives will ignite your wanderlust and create memories to last a lifetime.
1. Pacific Coast Highway: California’s Coastal Masterpiece
Start your engines on California’s iconic Route 1, where ocean meets sky in a dazzling display of natural beauty. As travel writer John Steinbeck once said, “The Pacific Coast Highway has been called the most beautiful land meeting of land and sea in the world.” Wind your way through Big Sur’s dramatic cliffs, stop for wine tasting in Santa Barbara, and breathe in the salty air of Monterey Bay.
2. Route 66: The Mother Road’s Timeless Appeal
Embark on a journey through America’s heartland on the legendary Route 66. This 2,448-mile odyssey from Chicago to Santa Monica is a living museum of Americana. Don’t miss the chance to snap a photo at the iconic “End of the Trail” sign in Santa Monica, marking the culmination of your epic adventure.
3. Skyline Drive: Virginia’s Mountain Marvel
Nestled in Shenandoah National Park, Skyline Drive offers 105 miles of pure Appalachian magic. As you navigate its 75 scenic overlooks, keep your eyes peeled for black bears and wild turkeys. For hiking enthusiasts, this route connects seamlessly with some of the breathtaking new hiking trails opening in 2025.
4. San Juan Skyway: Colorado’s Alpine Wonderland
Prepare to be awestruck by the San Juan Mountains’ rugged beauty on this 233-mile loop through southwestern Colorado. The fall foliage here rivals New England’s, painting the landscape in a riot of gold and crimson. Stop in Telluride, one of the 25 enchanting alpine villages where time stands still, for a taste of Wild West charm.
5. Beartooth Highway: Montana and Wyoming’s Scenic Showcase
Charles Kuralt, the famous American journalist, once declared the Beartooth Highway “the most beautiful drive in America.” This 68-mile stretch will take you to dizzying heights of nearly 11,000 feet, offering views that will leave you speechless. In winter, it transforms into one of the 20 epic snowboard destinations that rival the Rockies.
6. Seward Highway: Alaska’s Wilderness Wonder
Experience the raw beauty of America’s Last Frontier on the Seward Highway. This 127-mile route from Anchorage to Seward showcases Alaska’s diverse landscapes, from towering glaciers to rugged coastlines. Keep your camera ready for potential whale sightings in Turnagain Arm!
7. Utah’s Mighty 5: A Desert Dream
Embark on an otherworldly journey through Utah’s five national parks: Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, and Zion. Each park offers its own unique geological wonders, from delicate stone arches to towering hoodoos. As Edward Abbey, the famous desert writer, once said, “The desert tells a different story every time one ventures on it.”
8. Grand Circle: The Ultimate Southwest Adventure
For those with more time, the Grand Circle road trip is an epic journey through five states and eight national parks. Marvel at the Grand Canyon’s vastness, explore ancient cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde, and witness the surreal landscape of Monument Valley.
9. Lassen Scenic Byway: California’s Volcanic Vistas
Discover a landscape shaped by fire and ice on the Lassen Scenic Byway. This 500-mile route takes you through Lassen Volcanic National Park, where you can witness bubbling mud pots and steaming fumaroles. Don’t miss the chance to stargaze in one of California’s darkest night skies.
10. Island Hopping: A Different Kind of Road Trip
For a unique twist on the classic road trip, consider island hopping in places like Hawaii or the Florida Keys. While not traditional road trips, these journeys offer their own scenic wonders. For those looking to venture further, explore some of the 11 underrated Spanish islands that rival the Caribbean’s allure.
“The joy of a road trip isn’t just the destination, but the unexpected discoveries along the way,” says travel blogger Matt Doyle. “Each bend in the road holds the potential for a new adventure.”
Whether you choose to cruise along coastal cliffs, wind through mountain passes, or explore desert landscapes, these scenic road trips promise to deliver unforgettable experiences. So pack your bags, fill up the tank, and hit the open road. Adventure awaits around every corner!