Richardson Highway, one of our favorite scenic drives in the US. Photo via Wikipedia Creative Commons
Top 10 Scenic Drives In The United States
Few things are more refreshing than taking a leisurely drive past stunning landscapes and through otherworldly terrain. Take a break from domestic monotony and focus your next RV adventure on one of the USA’s most breathtaking routes.
Even if you think you can’t be tempted into planning a road trip, these 10 scenic drives in the US may just cure your provincialism and inspire you to explore.
1. Route 66
Also known as the “Mother Road”, Route 66 is one of the oldest and most famous highways in the United States. It trails through Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California, beginning in the heart of Chicago.
Route 66. Photo by Jakub Gorajek on Unsplash
Once an essential passageway to the West, the historical route has inspired various books, movies, and songs. Today, the 2,451-mile drive provides travelers with diverse terrain, unusual landmarks, and nostalgic memories of the Old West.
2. Richardson Highway
Cruise past some of Alaska’s natural wonders along a 360-mile stretch known as the Richardson Highway. Glacial mountains, sprawling canyons, and abundant wildlife line the winding roads from Fairbanks to Valdez.
Richardson Highway. Photo by Madeleine Deaton on Flickr
Before you leave, visit the town of North Pole, where travelers can visit the Santa Claus House any time of the year.
3. Overseas Highway
The beauty of Florida’s Overseas Highway lasts for 113 miles, 7 of which pass completely over the Atlantic Ocean. Not surprisingly, locals have nicknamed this section the “Seven-Mile Bridge.”
Seven Mile Bridge on the Overseas Highway. Photo via Wikipedia Creative Commons
Matrek, CC BY-SA 2.5 pl, via Wikimedia Commons
Visit when traffic is minimal and enjoy a tranquil drive to Key West, the southernmost point of the contiguous United States.
4. Hana Highway
Hawaii is known for its scenic beauty, so it’s no surprise that its islands hold some of the most beautiful routes in the United States. Hana Highway, which circles most of the island of Maui, snakes along cliffs’ edges, through rainforests, and past Haleakala volcano, ending in Hana.
Hana Highway. Photo By Ella Emsheimer
The entire trip only takes about 3 hours, so you will have plenty of time to stop and admire the waterfalls or sample some of Maui’s famous roadside banana bread.
See also: 5 Things You Should Know About RVing In Hawaii
5. Highway 100
Although Vermont’s Highway 100 is gorgeous all year round, it reaches a new level of brilliance once a year. Every October, the once-green trees adopt new color schemes of red, orange, and yellow, blazing like roadside wildfires.
Vermont’s Highway 100. Photo from Pixabay
In the spring and summer, the drive still offers rushing streams and covered bridges, passing through charming New England towns. If you decide to travel in the winter, keep in mind that you may get snowed in.
6. Great River Road
Passing through 10 states and covering a distance of 2,320 miles, the Great River Road is the longest scenic byway in the United States. It follows the Mississippi River through the Old South, past historic plantations, and up north, stretching from the Gulf of Mexico to Minnesota.
Great River Road. Photo from Pixabay
The route cuts through the United States and weaves past innumerable landmarks, following the most historically significant trading route in the United States.
7. Bayou Teche Scenic Byway
The Bayou Teche Scenic Byway winds through Southern Louisiana, past Grecian architecture, swampy cypresses, and twisted oaks dripping with Spanish moss. The dark water and haunting stillness of the bayou make it the perfect setting for a Gothic novel.
Bayou Teche Scenic Byway. Photo from Pixabay
Following the marshy river into Louisiana’s French Region, you are likely to encounter Cajun cuisine and locals who still speak an authentic Acadian dialect.
8. Pacific Coast Highway
Spanning the entire coast of California is the incredibly photogenic Pacific Coast Highway. Also known as Highway 1, it stretches from the California-Oregon border to the southernmost point of San Diego.
Pacific Coast Highway. Photo by Thomas Ciszewski on Unsplash
Cruise along coastal bluffs, across Big Sur’s Bixby Bridge, and past seaside redwood forests while taking an unparalleled journey along the West Coast.
See also: 15 Must-See Places Along The Pacific Coast Highway
9. Newfound Gap Road
Newfound Gap Road carves through the Great Smoky Mountains, offering travelers panoramic views of colorful foliage and sierra sunsets.
Newfound Gap Road. Photo by Phil Varney on Flickr
Start in Asheville, North Carolina and drive through mountain passes into Tennessee. If you visit during the fall, you’ll be plunged into golden forests along the way.
10. Flint Hills National Scenic Byway
The Flint Hills region of Kansas is breathtaking any time of the day. Drive through in the morning if you’re craving emerald foothills and blue skies, or wait until evening to witness some of the best sunsets in the Midwest.
Flint Hills National Scenic Byway. Photo by Patrick Emerson on Flickr
Visiting in the spring is highly recommended, especially if you’re looking for a drive through vivid prairies bursting with wildflowers.
Plan your route on these scenic drives in the US
Check out these scenic drives in the US and much more by planning your route with RV LIFE Trip Wizard, now included with RV LIFE Pro. For more trip ideas, check out these 5 Cross-Country Road Trips That You’ll Never Forget.
Nice drives but not all are RV friendly.
Was thinking that same thing.
I’m glad you enjoyed the article, Zack!
When putting together the list of drives, I tried to keep in mind that there are many different types of RVs. A covered bridge that might not allow enough clearance for a Class A will probably allow a small teardrop trailer to pass beneath. I understand and apologize that some RVers may be excluded from driving a few of these byways, but hopefully the list includes something for everyone.
How about HWY. 101 from Canadian Border to the Mexican border…Calif. just had to rename it HWY. 1…
Florida’s Overseas Highway lasts for 113 miles, 7 of which pass completely over the Pacific Ocean.
Really the “Pacific Ocean now connects with Florida. Wow
The most spectacular 30 miles is 128 along the Colorado river outside of Moab, one tight spot but go slow and the rest is brand new pavement
Where did you read that???
I am new at RVing trying to plan a six-month trip this was surely helpful thank you
I’m glad this article was helpful, Charles. Thank you for letting me know!
The Pacific Coast Highway goes a lot further than the California/Oregon border to San Diego. Some of the most scenic sections are in Oregon and it continues nearly to the Olympic Peninsula in Washington. I am looking at it as I type this on the central Oregon coast.
I think you forgot the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive.
You forgot the most scenic route in America which is the Beartooth Highway in Wyoming and Montana just north of Yellowstone. It’s 68 miles of the most scenic mountain views in the Rockies. If you’re visiting Yellowstone leave the RV at the campground and drive this road with your toad to be able to access the pull offs and enjoy the views.
I was thinking the same thing. Along with US 70 (Dixie Highway), Natchez Trace Parkway, and the REST of US 1 from Key West to Maine.
#11…Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Loved Tom’s comment!
If you haven’t been up to the top of Mount Evans in Colorado, not too far from Denver, that’s really a must-see! Not RV friendly! But there’s plenty of places to park at the bottom, RV parks, boondocking, it’s all there. The road to the top of Mount Evans is supposed to be the highest paved highway in the United States. I saw my first wild ram up there. I’ve been up it twice, both times on my motorcycle. Fabulous ride!
Last fall we caught the Blue Ridge Parkway at it start in Va. Beautiful till we got past Marion then they hadn’t trimed trees. A 40ft class A with JKU toad it is very tricky but is beautiful. Also bridges tunnels to low near Cherokee. Great adventure.
I would add the Million Dollar Highway, US 550, from Durango to Ridgway, Colorado. Again, not friendly for big rigs, but not bad for smaller RVs. In any case, there are RV Parks in Durango, Ridgway, and Ouray at either end, so park and drive your car.
The Natchez Trace Parkway should be in the top ten. It travels from Natchez, Ms to Nashville, TN. IT offers some of the most beautiful scenery and is very RV friendly. The are historic areas all along the Trace and numerous RV sites. The best time is in the fall when the trees are turning..
Can’t believe you did not include Hwy 101 on the entire Oregon coast. Some of the the best scenery in the US. There are many turnouts for any size RV, beautiful state parks, public campgrounds, historic areas, and great restaraunts! Best of all, no cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, Seattle etc to navigate around.. Drive 101 and enjoy high cliffs, secluded beaches, crashing waves, lighthouses, forest trails. small beach towns and friendly Oregonians.
I agree. We did 101 from the Olympic peninsula Washington to Crescent City California. In July. Coastal Oregon is beautiful.
Didn’t see mentioned either 170 from Lajitas to Presidio, especially east bound just before sunset or I-3 along Turnagin Arm from Anchorage towards Seward.
The Columbia River Gorge in Oregon is breathtaking!