As spring starts to melt the dead of winter and the open air is calling, a scenic road trip may be the perfect way to get outside even if the temperatures aren’t up to t-shirt weather yet. Fortunately the United States is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes on the planet, and there’s no better way to experience them than on a road trip. Here are some great places to get out on the highway and gaze at the landscapes.
Best Scenic Road Trip Destinations Across the USA: Pacific Coast Highway, California
Start your journey on one of the world’s most famous coastal roads, the Pacific Coast Highway. Stretching along California’s coast from San Francisco to San Diego, this route offers unparalleled views of the rugged cliffs, crashing waves, and sandy beaches of the Pacific Ocean. Stop at iconic spots like the famous Big Sur, the charming town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, and the beautiful Hearst Castle.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN and NC
America’s favorite national park straddles the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, offering great forests, a diverse range of wildlife, cascading waterfalls, and mist-covered peaks. Every road is scenic here, but hit Newfound Gap Road to take in panoramic views of the park’s vast forests and valleys.
Autumn is particularly spectacular when the foliage transforms into a fiery display of red, orange, and gold, but springtime brings the magic of millions of wildflowers everywhere. Explore the bustling gateway towns to the national park, and stay in one of the hundreds of luxury Gatlinburg cabins nestled in the surrounding foothills.
Zion National Park, Utah
Utah is home to some of the most surreal landscapes in the United States, and Zion National Park is one of the highlights. The park’s stunning red rock formations, dramatic canyons, and sweeping vistas make it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
Take the scenic drive through Zion Canyon and make sure to stop at must-see landmarks such as the Court of the Patriarchs, Weeping Rock, and the famous Angel’s Landing for the more daring adventurer.
Route 66, Illinois to California
Route 66, known as the Mother Road and 100 years old in 2026, holds a special place in American history and culture. Beginning in Chicago and stretching all the way to Santa Monica, California, this iconic route offers a unique blend of Americana.
Along the way, you’ll encounter quirky roadside attractions, classic diners, and small towns steeped in history, all set against a backdrop of diverse landscapes, from the flat plains of the Midwest to the arid deserts of the Southwest.
Blue Ridge Parkway, VA and NC
Often called “America’s Favorite Drive,” the Blue Ridge Parkway offers 469 miles of stunning mountain scenery through the Appalachian Highlands. Starting in Virginia and extending into North Carolina, the road winds its way through lush forests, overlooks with sweeping views, and vibrant wildflowers. Along the way, stop at the Peaks of Otter, Mabry Mill, and Linville Falls for some unforgettable photo ops.
Death Valley National Park, CA and NV
For a truly unique road trip experience, head to the heart of the Mojave Desert and explore Death Valley National Park. Known for being the hottest and driest place in North America, the park extends from California to Nevada and offers otherworldly landscapes that include salt flats, sand dunes, and jagged mountain ranges.
Be sure to visit Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America, and take in the surreal colors of Artist’s Palette at sunset.
Emerald Coast, Florida
The Emerald Coast is part of the northwestern stretch of Florida that curves along the northern shore of the Gulf of Mexico. This 100-mile-plus stretch of land includes places like Destin and Panama City Beach, with funky little towns and attractions in between. The coastal drive includes Hwy 30A, the most scenic part, at the center of which is Seaside, the quaint and iconic setting for the Jim Carrey Truman Show movie.
Several pristine state parks and preserves border this coastline, offering many diversions into nature as well as pit stops and accommodations along the beach.
Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Grand Teton National Park is one of the most spectacular national parks in the western United States, offering stunning views of snow-capped mountains, alpine lakes, and wildlife. The Teton Park Road provides access to some of the park’s most beautiful spots, including Jenny Lake, the Snake River Overlook, and the Signal Mountain Summit for panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and peaks.
Lake Superior Circle Tour, MI, WI, MN
For those seeking a scenic lakeside journey, the Lake Superior Circle Tour is an unforgettable drive. This 1,300-mile loop takes you around the largest freshwater lake in the world, offering majestic views of rugged shorelines, sandy beaches, and dense forests.
The route passes through Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, with highlights including the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and the historic town of Duluth.
Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana
For an awe-inspiring road trip in the Rocky Mountains, you can’t beat Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road. This engineering marvel cuts through the heart of the park, offering views of towering mountain peaks, alpine lakes, and wildflower-filled meadows. Open only in the summer months due to snow, the road is one of the most scenic drives in the U.S. and provides access to many of the park’s most stunning vistas, including Logan Pass and Saint Mary Lake.
Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Mount Rainier is a towering, snow-capped peak in the Cascade Range, and the national park that surrounds it offers some of the most stunning scenery in the Pacific Northwest. The drive along the Paradise Road offers a picturesque tour through lush forests, wildflower meadows, and views of the mountain itself. At Paradise, you can see glaciers and waterfalls, while higher elevations provide breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.
