🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 80 (from laksa115)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa080.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical, ml_categories_json AS ml_categories_json, ml_types_json AS ml_types_json, ml_intent_types_json AS ml_intent_types_json, meta_language AS meta_language, attrs_author AS attrs_author, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(attrs_publish_time), 0) AS attrs_publish_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(attrs_original_publish_time), 0) AS attrs_original_publish_time, ifNull(attrs_is_republished, 0) AS attrs_is_republished, ifNull(attrs_nr_words, 0) AS attrs_nr_words, ifNull(attrs_boilerpipe_nr_words, 0) AS attrs_boilerpipe_nr_words, ifNull(body_ext_links_number, 0) AS body_ext_links_number, ifNull(body_int_links_number, 0) AS body_int_links_number, ifNull(meta_nofollow, 0) AS meta_nofollow, ifNull(meta_noarchive, 0) AS meta_noarchive, ifNull(props_was_rendered, 0) AS props_was_rendered, ifNull(src_redirect, \'\') AS src_redirect, ifNull(download_time_msec, 0) AS download_time_msec, ifNull(download_ttfb_msec, 0) AS download_ttfb_msec, ifNull(download_size, 0) AS download_size FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/road-trips/americas-most-scenic-roads\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/road-trips/americas-most-scenic-roads\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/trip-ideas\/road-trips\/americas-most-scenic-roads","crawl_time":1776808221,"first_indexed_time":1582239864,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,travelandleisure!www,\/trip-ideas\/road-trips\/americas-most-scenic-roads s443","src_root_hash":"3196621714513276680","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"23 Best Road Trips in the U.S.","meta_descriptions":["From the dramatic California coast to the history-lined thoroughfares of New England, there are countless scenic drives across the country. Here are the best road trips in the U.S."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"From the dramatic California coast to the history-lined thoroughfares of New England, the United States is brimming with scenic drives. There's no shortage of stunning views along the way, like on the 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway, for example, which meanders past limestone caverns, clear mountain springs, and Appalachian majesty; or on the popular Going-to-the-Sun Road in Montana's Glacier National Park, which winds past snow-covered peaks.\nSometimes it's not just nature, but also human-made sights that make a trip, like marveling at Chicago's impressive skyline, which is viewable from the city's Lake Shore Drive; or hanging out at local beach bars serving up margaritas and blaring Jimmy Buffet hits along U.S. 1 from Key Largo to Key West.\nThese are the best road trips around the U.S.\nHana Highway, Maui, Hawaii\nRoyce Bair\/Alamy\nThe T-shirts all say: \"I survived the\nroad to Hana\n.\" And the reason is clear as soon as you set out. It can take anywhere from two to four hours to travel the 52 miles from Kahului to Hana, as you snake past steep sea cliffs and narrow one-lane bridges, ideally stopping to buy banana bread from roadside markets and\ntake in the stunning vistas at every turn\n. In the tiny town of Hana, on the eastern shore of Maui, stands a secluded\nred-sand beach\n(known for its clothing-optional vibes). Just beyond, about 30 minutes from town, are the must-visit multi-tiered Pools of Oheo, which gently cascade in\nHaleakala National Park\n.\nBlue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina and Virginia\nAndre Jenny\/Alamy\nThis\nscenic drive\nweaves across 469 miles, connecting\nShenandoah National Park\nin Virginia with the\nGreat Smoky Mountains National Park\n. The twisting blacktop was built for travelers seeking Appalachian overlooks and a panoramic drive for all seasons, with undulating slopes of color in the fall and a bounty of forest canopy in summer. In the mines of the mineral-rich Appalachian Mountains, visitors can even pan for gold and gemstones. The parkway is a paradise for nature lovers, boasting over 150 species of birds and a diverse array of flora.\nLake Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois\nChristopher Larson\/Travel + Leisure\nThe rock stars of American architecture line up like soldiers facing Lake Michigan along this urban drive.\nChicago's\nbuildings are decidedly showstopping, from the Willis Tower dominating the skyline (formerly known as the Sears Tower and once the tallest building in the world) to the late-nineteenth-century marvel The Rookery with its Frank Lloyd Wright-designed lobby, the stark boxes of Mies van der Rohe, and more. Lake Shore Drive runs the length of Chicago from North to South, but you'll want to break up the journey with a stop at Millennium Park to see the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture (otherwise known as \"The Bean\"), lounge on one of the city's lakeside beaches in the summer, or pay a visit to The Art Institute of Chicago, which features its own architecture and design collection.\n17-Mile Drive, California\nGetty Images\nThe so-called 17-Mile Drive loops around California's stunning Monterey Peninsula. Stretching from the town of Pacific Grove to just above\nCarmel-by-the-Sea\n, the road (privately owned by Pebble Beach) skirts the Pacific coast and runs past seven championship golf courses. In addition to surf-beaten cliffs, colonies of harbor seals, and lookout points galore, the route offers spectacular sunset views that make it worth the $12.25 entry fee to drive it (the fee is reimbursed with a $35 or more purchase at a Pebble Beach Resorts restaurant). Not too far off the 17-Mile Drive, the\nMonterey Bay Aquarium\nhas ocean-view decks and a million-gallon tank with giant sharks and sea turtles.\nU.S. 1, Florida Keys, Florida\nM. Timothy O'Keefe\/Alamy\nLeaving the mainland for the\nFlorida Keys\n, travelers enter a paradise of beach bars and water sports. From Key Largo to\nKey West\n, the\nOverseas Highway\nstrings the islands together like beads, running past lighthouses, underwater coral reef parks, and across the postcard-worthy Seven Mile Bridge. On the docks in Islamorada, travelers can hand-feed tarpon that are more than six feet long. Further down, on Big Pine Key, you can spot some of the island chain's most well-known residents at the\nNational Key Deer Refuge\n.\nRoute 12, Utah\nTaylor McIntyre\/Travel + Leisure\nThe red rock majesty of Utah is on triumphant display on State Route 12, winding between\nCapitol Reef\nand\nBryce Canyon\nnational parks. The 122-mile strip features funky small towns, steep sandstone canyons, and a narrow, cliff-hugging road known as the \"Hogsback.\" Stop in at Escalante's artsy\nKiva Koffeehouse\nto get your caffeine fix, open Wednesdays to Sundays from April through October, and admire the stunning view of\nGrand Staircase-Escalante National Monument\n.\nBluebonnet Trail, Texas\nGetty Images\nBluebonnets are spiky blue wildflowers found in the Southwestern U.S. They're especially abundant in Texas in March and April (where they're the official state flower). Start this road trip in Austin, home of the\nLady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center\n, named for the first lady who made national beautification a priority, before embarking on an eastward journey via U.S. Route 290. In addition to seeing them on the side of the road, you'll also get to admire them in full force in Brenham, the halfway point to Houston. Visit\nBrenham's tourism website\nfor up-to-date information on where to find the best bluebonnet patches (behind a Burger King, for example), then make your way to Houston to see them blooming at Buffalo Bayou Park.\nNorth Shore Scenic Drive, Minnesota\nGetty Images\nMinnesota's Lake Superior shoreline is a thing of beauty. In\nDuluth\n, a walking path along the lake's edge showcases the city's highlights, including a rose garden and an aerial bridge. Nearby, you can get a look at ocean tankers anchored in the last inland port of the St. Lawrence Seaway as they wait to load iron or grain from America's heartland before sending it out. From Duluth, drive toward Two Harbors, only about 30 minutes away, and admire the lake's shining waters stretching out. At your destination, you'll find the\nSplit Rock Lighthouse\n, now a museum, overlooking Lake Superior's rugged coast.\nTrail Ridge Road, Colorado\nGetty Images\nWelcome to the highest paved through-road in the U.S., Trail Ridge Road, which passes through Rocky Mountain National Park and climbs as high as 12,183 feet. Crossing over the Continental Divide (following a similar route Native Americans once took), visitors might see elk, deer, and bighorn sheep above the tree line in the dramatic tundra. After about two to three hours of driving, you'll hit Grand Lake, Colorado's largest natural lake, which is also home to a historic town and lake sports. Note, however, that Trail Ridge Road is\nnot\na year-round route and can only be driven in good conditions, typically from about the end of May to the fall.\nKancamagus Highway, New Hampshire\nGetty Images\nThough the White Mountains are a year-round paradise, the autumnal colors are an undisputed highlight of New Hampshire's 34.5-mile\nKancamagus Highway\n. Serious leaf-peepers visit in September and October to see the trees blazing in full technicolor glory, while spring brings gorgeous flowers. This route starts in Lincoln and ends in Conway (or vice versa), and you'll want to factor in plenty of time to pull over and explore the White Mountains on foot. One highlight is the about half-mile hike to Sabbaday Falls, a multi-tiered waterfall easily accessed from the road.\nGoing-to-the-Sun Road, Montana\nGetty Images\nOne of America's most breathtaking drives runs along the spine of the Rockies, past \nGlacier National Park's\n snow-capped peaks and lakes, across the Continental Divide. The full 50-mile stretch takes about two hours to drive. The\nGoing-to-the-Sun Road\nis only fully open in the summer when conditions allow (typically starting around late June), and\nvehicle reservations\nare required during peak months. Supplement your road trip with a day tour at the\nGlacier Institute\nto learn more about the geology, wildlife, and history of the area.\nHighway 101, Oregon\nGetty Images\nOregon's portion of the Pacific shoreline is entirely owned by the state and, therefore, open to the public. The more than 360 miles of coast off Highway 101 provide road trippers with perfectly preserved and unobstructed natural vistas. Between Port Orford and Brookings, about an hour's drive away, fierce sea cliffs stand in stark contrast to the pastoral farmland of\nOregon's small towns\n. Pull over when you spot the roadside Tyrannosaurus rex at the\nPrehistoric Gardens\n, where 23 life-size dinosaur replicas are staged against the rainforest landscape.\nOlympic Peninsula Loop, Washington\nGetty Images\nHighway 101, both the scenic route and the peninsula's only major route, loops around one of the largest wilderness areas in the continental U.S. Climb into the\nHoh Rain Forest\n, dominated by ancient Sitka spruce and western hemlock. Enjoy endless views from the top of Hurricane Ridge, about 18 miles off the loop from Port Angeles. At low tide, the pools on Olympic beaches are rife with starfish and crabs. The whole loop takes about six hours without stops.\nRoute 6, Massachusetts\nGetty Images\nThe easternmost portion of Route 6—which actually runs all the way to Bishop, California—links together\nCape Cod's\nnetwork of sand dunes, beaches, and quaint fishing towns. You can follow it to\nProvincetown's\nmusic festivals and art galleries, to the bay side for family-friendly beaches, or oceanside for panoramas of the\nCape Cod National Seashore\n. Our advice? Book a whale-watching boat tour between mid-April and October to catch a glimpse of a big-winged New Englander (aka a humpback whale).\nAnchorage to Valdez, Alaska\nAlan Majchrowicz \/ Alamy\nThe trip from Anchorage to Valdez, which connects the Glenn and Richardson highways, runs past prehistoric glaciers and into mountain ranges with seemingly endless peaks. Along the 300-mile route in Palmer, gaze at domesticated musk oxen, the Ice Age wonders of the Alaskan landscape, prized for their wool. Further along, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline pops in and out of view. The final approach to Valdez involves a 30-mile descent from Thompson Pass (2,678 feet of elevation) to sea level, passing through the waterfalls of Keystone Canyon and opening into Prince William Sound.\nLemhi Pass, Montana and Idaho\nGetty Images\nMeriwether Lewis (of Lewis and Clark fame) crossed the Rocky Mountain backbone of North America, the Continental Divide, at Lemhi Pass in 1805. Now, determined visitors with a four-wheel drive can take in the historic view on Forest Service roads from either the\nBeaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest\nin Montana or the\nSalmon-Challis National Forest\nin Idaho.\nFor the full experience, go in the summer during the annual Lewis and Clark Festival in Great Falls, Montana, about three hours from the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest.\nSilverado Trail, California\nGetty Images\nHere's a road trip where the food rivals the scenery. Flanked by vineyards and wineries,\nNapa Valley's\nSilverado Trail gives California road trippers endless vino options and perhaps some of the tastiest meals on the American culinary scene. Non-drivers must try the Estate Collection tasting at\nStag's Leap Wine Cellars\n, where a 1973 cabernet made headlines for beating French wines in a blind taste test. And for foodies, the three-Michelin star\nFrench Laundry\nrestaurant in Yountville is a highlight.\nOcean Drive, Newport, Rhode Island\nGetty Images\nThis 10-mile coastal\nRhode Island\nroute packs in historic mansions and spectacular views over the water. The Gilded Age \"cottages\" of Ocean Drive—which confusingly follows Ocean\nAvenue\n, not Drive—compete with maritime scenery for jaw-dropping splendor, including opulent homes built for titans of\nfin de siècle\nindustry. War buffs will definitely want to visit historic Fort Adams, which was built in the 19th century and was active on and off for about 150 years.\nPark Loop Road, Acadia National Park, Maine\nGetty Images\nThe loop through\nAcadia National Park\ncan be completed in an hour when summer tourists aren't clogging the 27-mile, two-lane artery. But whatever the season, you'll want to give yourself time to appreciate the dense trees and rugged coast of the North Atlantic along the way. An oceanside inlet dubbed Thunder Hole explodes with a plume of foamy surf as waves beat the shore. If you've got time to spare, spend some time on a lobster fishing boat, then take your catch home for supper.\nHighway 143, Tennessee\nGetty Images\nSet out along Tennessee's 12.5-mile Highway 143 in the Roan Highlands of the Appalachian Mountains to witness uninterrupted slopes cloaked in purple blossoms. The highlands portion of the Appalachian Trail is famous for its \"balds\" (summits covered in grasses rather than trees). Stop to admire them on foot with a walk at Carvers Gap, just across the North Carolina border.\nPierce Stocking Scenic Drive, Michigan\nGetty Images\nOnly 7.4 miles long, this short and sweet drive along Lake Michigan's eastern shore shows off the majesty of the giant\nSleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore\n, dense forest canopies, and an impressive lake. The trip would take you less than 30 minutes were it not for the lookout points over the lake and dunes to distract you. Before closing the loop, you'll cross a covered bridge reconstructed from one Pierce Stocking himself built in the 1960s. To extend the trip slightly, head five minutes up South Dune Highway to catch the view of Glen Lake after hiking to the top of the \"\nDune Climb\n.\"\nThe High Road to Taos, New Mexico\nMary Robnett\/Travel + Leisure\nThe scenic route between\nSanta Fe\nand Taos offers one photo opportunity after another, from ancient pueblos to forests and artists' studios. The High Road to Taos Scenic Byway passes by Chimayo, a haven for art and history. Whichever direction you choose to drive it, the High Road is bookended by two towns bursting with color and personality. If you're in town during a sweltering summer, don't miss attending a concert at the\nSanta Fe Opera\n.\nHighway 2, Nebraska\nRyan K. McGinnis\/Alamy\nSandhills (grass-covered sand dunes) are synonymous with Nebraska, resulting in slow, hypnotic curves as far as the eye can see. Drive any stretch of Highway 2 for expansive views of the Great Plains and pastureland. Spend time looking out for cranes at the\nCrane Trust Nature & Visitor Center\njust off Highway 2 in Wood River, or stop in one of the adorable small towns along the way for a taste of local life.\nPacific Coast Paradise route, California to Washington\nStretching for more than 1,000 miles,\nthis route\nconnects Seattle to Santa Barbara, snaking past major cities, picture-perfect vineyards, and national parks and forests along the way. Stop in\nPortland\nfor some funky shopping or head toward the coast to sample cheese and small-town charm in\nTillamook, Oregon\n. Further south, stop at the underrated\nPinnacles National Park\n, shaped by a series of volcanic eruptions millions of years ago, resulting in breathtaking spires and deep canyons.\nBeartooth Highway, Montana\nWeather permitting, \nthis stretch of US 212,\n connecting Red Lodge, Montana, with \nYellowstone National Park,\n is generally open from around Memorial Day weekend through mid-October. Often dubbed the “Highway to the Sky” and “The Most Beautiful Roadway in America,” the road features steep switchbacks and expansive mountain views. Stop at the Vista Point Observation Site for a breathtaking overlook of the area, or set up overnight at one of the many\ncampgrounds\nalong the route.","attrs_markdown":"\n\n[Skip to content](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/trip-ideas\/road-trips\/americas-most-scenic-roads#main)\n\n[Travel + Leisure](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/)\n\n- Please fill out this field.\n- Magazine\n  - [Subscribe](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/trip-ideas\/road-trips\/americas-most-scenic-roads)\n  - [Manage Your Subscription](https:\/\/w1.buysub.com\/servlet\/CSGateway?cds_mag_code=TAL)\n  - [Give a Gift Subscription](https:\/\/www.magazines.com\/travel-leisure-magazine.html)\n  - [Get Help](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/about-us-5324386#toc-contact-us)\n- [Newsletters](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/trip-ideas\/road-trips\/americas-most-scenic-roads)\n- [Sweepstakes](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/sweepstakes)\n- 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[Newsletters](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/trip-ideas\/road-trips\/americas-most-scenic-roads)\n- [Sweepstakes](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/sweepstakes)\n- [BOOK NOW](https:\/\/go.travelandleisure.com\/)\n\nFollow Us\n\n[Trip Ideas](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/trip-ideas)\n\n- [Romantic Getaways](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/trip-ideas\/romantic-getaways)\n- [Beach Vacations](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/trip-ideas\/beach-vacations)\n- [National Parks](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/trip-ideas\/national-parks)\n- [Disney Vacations](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/trip-ideas\/disney-vacations)\n- [Family Vacations](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/trip-ideas\/family-vacations)\n\n[See All Trip Ideas](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/trip-ideas)\n\n[![Cyclists and pedestrians on a street near a monument with Travel Leisure Where to Go 2026 logo overlay]() ![Cyclists and pedestrians on a street near a monument with Travel Leisure Where to Go 2026 logo overlay](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/thmb\/mJcThq8xGCZQcaJ9lJnC3fiAZkg=\/544x0\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/TAL-where-to-go-recirc-3x2-with-badge-HPWHERETOGOIN2026-db34212b99ca429b8cea7b2ce3bbcd52.jpg) 50 Best Places to Travel in 2026](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/best-places-to-go-2026-11840319)\n\n[Destinations](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/destinations-7511109)\n\n- USA\n- Europe\n- Mexico\n- The Caribbean\n- Canada\n- Central & South America\n- Asia\n- Australia & South Pacific\n- Africa\n- Middle East\n- [See All Destinations](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/destinations-7511109)\n\n### TOP USA DESTINATIONS\n### States\n- [New York](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/new-york-travel-8552243)\n- [North Carolina](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/north-carolina-travel-8552247)\n- [South Carolina](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/south-carolina-travel-8552261)\n- [Nevada](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/nevada-travel-8552237)\n- [Tennessee](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/tennessee-travel-8552263)\n- [Colorado](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/colorado-travel-8552223)\n- [Hawaii](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/hawaii-travel-8552226)\n- [Georgia](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/georgia-travel-8552225)\n- [Texas](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/texas-travel-8552264)\n- [Maine](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/maine-travel-8552232)\n\n### Cities\n- [Palm Springs](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/palm-springs-ca-travel-8557066)\n- [Charleston](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/charleston-sc-travel-7507298)\n- [New Orleans](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/new-orleans-la-travel-8557054)\n- [Nashville](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/nashville-tn-travel-8557050)\n- [San Diego](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/san-diego-ca-travel-8557070)\n- [Los Angeles](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/los-angeles-ca-travel-8557333)\n- [Miami](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/miami-fl-travel-8557036)\n- [Boston](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/boston-ma-travel-8557015)\n- [Chicago](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/chicago-il-travel-8557021)\n- [Atlanta](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/atlanta-ga-travel-8557009)\n\n[See All USA](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/usa-travel-8551521)\n\n### Top Europe Destinations\n### Countries\n- [France](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/france-travel-8650734)\n- [Portugal](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/portugal-travel-8650758)\n- [Spain](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/spain-travel-8650739)\n- [Iceland](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/iceland-travel-8650768)\n- [Germany](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/germany-travel-8650737)\n- [Scotland](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/scotland-travel-8650771)\n- [Ireland](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/ireland-travel-8650752)\n- [Turkey](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/turkey-travel-8650765)\n\n### Cities\n- [Rome](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/rome-travel-8650745)\n- [London](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/london-travel-8650785)\n- [Istanbul](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/istanbul-travel-8650766)\n- [Vienna](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/vienna-travel-8650607)\n- [Dublin](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/dublin-travel-8650753)\n- [Madrid](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/madrid-travel-8650740)\n- [Amsterdam](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/amsterdam-travel-8650764)\n- [Athens](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/athens-travel-8650756)\n\n[See All Europe Travel](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/europe-travel-8650550)\n\n### Top Mexico Destinations\n[See All Mexico Travel](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/mexico-travel-7507243)\n\n### Top Caribbean Destinations\n### Countries\n- [Anguilla](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/anguilla-travel-8598357)\n- [US Virgin Islands](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/usvi-travel-8601492)\n- [Cuba](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/cuba-travel-8598361)\n- [Jamaica](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/jamaica-travel-8598332)\n- [St. Lucia](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/st-lucia-travel-8598354)\n- [Barbados](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/barbados-travel-8598339)\n- [Aruba](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/aruba-travel-8598358)\n- [British Virgin Islands](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/british-virgin-islands-travel-8601497)\n- [St. Martin](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/st-martin-travel-8598342)\n- [Dominican Republic](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/dominican-republic-travel-8598328)\n\n[See All Caribbean Travel](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/caribbean-travel-8598321)\n\n### Top Canada Destinations\n[See All Canada Travel](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/canada-travel-8598366)\n\n### Top Central & South America Destinations\n### Countries\n- [Peru](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/peru-travel-8598386)\n- [Belize](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/belize-travel-8598380)\n- [Chile](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/chile-travel-8598387)\n- [Brazil](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/brazil-travel-8598382)\n\n[See All Central & South America Travel](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/central-south-america-travel-8598377)\n\n### Top Asia Destinations\n### Countries\n- [China](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/china-travel-8650815)\n- [India](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/india-travel-8650812)\n- [Indonesia](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/indonesia-travel-8650817)\n- [Maldives](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/maldives-travel-8650813)\n- [Vietnam](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/vietnam-travel-8650819)\n- [Hong Kong](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/hong-kong-travel-8650818)\n- [Singapore](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/singapore-travel-8650820)\n\n### Cities\n- [Bangkok](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/bangkok-travel-8650824)\n- [Tokyo](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/tokyo-travel-8650822)\n\n[See All Asia Travel](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/asia-travel-8650554)\n\n### Top Australia & South Pacific Destinations\n### Countries\n- [French Polynesia](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/french-polynesia-travel-8650790)\n- [Philippines](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/philippines-travel-8650821)\n\n### Cities\n- [Sydney](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/sydney-travel-8650792)\n\n[See All Australia & South Pacific Travel](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/australia-south-pacific-travel-8650562)\n\n### Top Africa Destinations\n[See All Africa Travel](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/africa-travel-8650567)\n\n### Top Middle East Destinations\n[See All Middle East Travel](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/middle-east-travel-8650573)\n\n[![DOTY banner HP 2x1]() ![DOTY banner HP 2x1](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/thmb\/E1togkW9qOLiGR0atJCmGLbFLb0=\/544x0\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/TAL-home-page-carousel-2x1-doty-brazil-DOTYBRAZIL1-dbf25ca5b974490b94d0d67826de8e78.jpg) Destination of the Year 2026: Brazil](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/brazil-destination-of-the-year-2026-11824614)\n\n[World's Best Awards](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/worlds-best-awards-2025-11744233)\n\n- [Hotels + Spas](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/worlds-best-awards-2025-hotels-spas-11747779)\n- [Cities](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/worlds-best-awards-2025-cities-11748119)\n- [Transportation](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/worlds-best-awards-2025-transportation-11748144)\n- [Tours + Parks](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/worlds-best-awards-2025-tours-parks-11748138)\n- [Cruises](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/worlds-best-awards-2025-cruises-11748130)\n- [Islands](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/worlds-best-awards-2025-islands-11748132)\n- [The Archives](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/worlds-best-archive-8650578)\n\n[See All World's Best](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/worlds-best-awards-2025-11744233)\n\n[World's Best Awards 2025](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/worlds-best-awards-2025-11744233)\n\n[Tips + Planning](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/travel-tips)\n\n- [Airlines + Airports](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/airlines-airports)\n- [Cruises](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/cruises)\n- [Bus and Train Travel](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/trip-ideas\/bus-train)\n- [Customs + Immigration](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/travel-tips\/customs-immigration)\n- [Packing Tips](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/travel-tips\/packing-tips)\n- [Travel Trends](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/travel-tips\/travel-trends)\n\n[See All Travel Tips + Planning](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/travel-tips)\n\n[![Hot air balloons over a scenic landscape with text The AList superimposed across the image]() ![Hot air balloons over a scenic landscape with text The AList superimposed across the image](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/thmb\/5WcS6TL--pKn0VG69uEPsYIN0uM=\/544x0\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/TAL-recirc-a-list-ALIST26-2d12f52837e74b3d979ffe957a04a969.jpg) The World's Top Travel Advisors](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/a-list\/a-list-travel-advisors)\n\n[Hotels + Resorts](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/hotels-resorts)\n\n- [Hotel Reviews](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/hotels-resorts\/hotel-reviews)\n- [All-Inclusive Resorts](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/hotels-resorts\/all-inclusive-resorts)\n- [Hotel Openings](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/hotels-resorts\/hotel-openings)\n- [Mountain + Ski Resorts](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/hotels-resorts\/mountain-ski-resorts)\n- [Beach Hotels](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/hotels-resorts\/beach-hotels)\n- [Vacation Rentals](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/hotels-resorts\/vacation-rentals)\n- [Luxury Hotels](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/hotels-resorts\/luxury-hotels)\n- [Boutique Hotels](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/hotels-resorts\/boutique-hotels)\n- [Pet-friendly Hotels](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/hotels-resorts\/pet-friendly-hotels)\n- [Spa Resorts](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/hotels-resorts\/spa-resorts)\n\n[See All Hotels + Resorts](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/hotels-resorts)\n\n[![A person sitting near a pool in a lush courtyard]() ![A person sitting near a pool in a lush courtyard](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/thmb\/oZKdbKHCGkPPoBYT5T_mUWx2QDw=\/544x0\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/TAL-it-list-still-recirc-3x2-hotel-sevilla-ITLISTKEYASSETS2026-378de909a2e442798fa145ea93534c1b.jpg) THE 100 BEST NEW HOTELS OF THE YEAR](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/best-new-hotels-of-2026-11914442)\n\n[Travel Products](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/best-products)\n\n- [Travel + Leisure Trusted](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/travel-and-leisure-trusted-7372903)\n- [Luggage + Bags](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/luggage-and-bags-7372983)\n- [Packing Lists](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/packing-lists-7372910)\n- [Apparel](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/apparel-7372914)\n- [Shoes](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/style\/shoes)\n- [Travel Accessories](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/style\/travel-accessories)\n- [Activity + Adventure](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/activity-adventure-7373042)\n\n[See All Shopping](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/best-products)\n\n[![composite of images of products tested by editors]() ![composite of images of products tested by editors](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/thmb\/wYjnPmsJcsI1g9a4iHdmf-odmVU=\/544x0\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/TL_Trusted_Banner_FINAL2-48b45b0426cd46e2b41dfb384649ea5a.png) Travel + Leisure Trusted](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/travel-and-leisure-trusted-7372903)\n\n[News](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/travel-news)\n\n- [Celebrity Travel](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/travel-tips\/celebrity-travel)\n- [Flight Deals](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/flight-deals)\n- [Travel Deals](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/travel-deals)\n- [Where to Live](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/best-places-to-live-8650575)\n\n[See All Travel News](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/travel-news)\n\n[![A colorful illustration referencing retirement themes]() ![A colorful illustration referencing retirement themes](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/thmb\/1QQsvH77qmnhGPvvUbvREietRDs=\/544x0\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/TAL-retirement-mobile-and-recirc-with-badge-WHERETORETIRE2025-96227df768e64e39b9a6fc2d27a5b075.jpg) 50 BEST PLACES TO RETIRE IN THE U.S. IN 2025](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/where-to-retire-united-states-2025-8779256)\n\n[About Us](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/about-us-5324386)\n\n- [Editorial Guidelines](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/editorial-policy-5324394)\n- [Meet Our Team](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/about-us-5324386)\n\n[Subscribe](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/trip-ideas\/road-trips\/americas-most-scenic-roads)\n\n# 23 Best Road Trips in the U.S.\nFrom Hawaii to the Florida Keys, these are 23 of the best road trips in the U.S.\n\nBy\n\n[Sarah Rose](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/author\/sarah-rose)\n\n[Sarah Rose](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/author\/sarah-rose)\n\nSarah Rose is a journalist and the author of two best-selling novels. She was a news columnist at *The Wall Street Journal* and her features have appeared in *Outside*, *The Washington Post*, *Travel + Leisure*, *Bon Appétit*, and more.\n\n[Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/about-us-5324386#toc-editorial-policy)\n\nUpdated on July 6, 2025\n\nClose\n\n![View of a scenic coastline through a car windshield with a person holding the steering wheel](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/thmb\/4yBKhKdEWIZMbkVDwoQK2Jly5hs=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/TAL-lead-image-USRDTRIPS0326-6d69917997784203bdf3dccf860baccd.jpg)\n\n![View of a scenic coastline through a car windshield with a person holding the steering wheel](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/thmb\/4yBKhKdEWIZMbkVDwoQK2Jly5hs=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/TAL-lead-image-USRDTRIPS0326-6d69917997784203bdf3dccf860baccd.jpg)\n\nCredit:\n\nMelissa Cherry\/Travel + Leisure\n\nFrom the dramatic California coast to the history-lined thoroughfares of New England, the United States is brimming with scenic drives. There's no shortage of stunning views along the way, like on the 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway, for example, which meanders past limestone caverns, clear mountain springs, and Appalachian majesty; or on the popular Going-to-the-Sun Road in Montana's Glacier National Park, which winds past snow-covered peaks.\n\nSometimes it's not just nature, but also human-made sights that make a trip, like marveling at Chicago's impressive skyline, which is viewable from the city's Lake Shore Drive; or hanging out at local beach bars serving up margaritas and blaring Jimmy Buffet hits along U.S. 1 from Key Largo to Key West.\n\nThese are the best road trips around the U.S.\n\n## Hana Highway, Maui, Hawaii\n![View of scenic coastline from the Hana Highway in Maui]()\n\n![View of scenic coastline from the Hana Highway in Maui](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/thmb\/UdXlFE97Dfth6wzfI1ngbLpYAXs=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/201103-w-roads-hana-highway-new-816e10c5329549d18052b995b100076c.jpg)\n\nRoyce Bair\/Alamy\n\nThe T-shirts all say: \"I survived the [road to Hana](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/guide-to-driving-the-road-to-hana-7497891).\" And the reason is clear as soon as you set out. It can take anywhere from two to four hours to travel the 52 miles from Kahului to Hana, as you snake past steep sea cliffs and narrow one-lane bridges, ideally stopping to buy banana bread from roadside markets and [take in the stunning vistas at every turn](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/maui-hawaii-road-to-hana-roadtrip-usa-11750465). In the tiny town of Hana, on the eastern shore of Maui, stands a secluded [red-sand beach](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/trip-ideas\/beach-vacations\/worlds-red-sand-beaches) (known for its clothing-optional vibes). Just beyond, about 30 minutes from town, are the must-visit multi-tiered Pools of Oheo, which gently cascade in [Haleakala National Park](https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/hale\/index.htm).\n\n[Maui travel guide](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/travel-guide\/maui)\n\n## Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina and Virginia\n![Fall foliage along the Blue Ridge Parkway]()\n\n![Fall foliage along the Blue Ridge Parkway](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/thmb\/6cd5cmnXQucSiJ9JThNSR_EaIhg=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/201103-w-roads-blue-ridge-mnts-2000-6a47e9439eae4ba69253576135c62f0e.jpg)\n\nAndre Jenny\/Alamy\n\nThis [scenic drive](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/most-peaceful-place-in-north-carolina-blue-ridge-parkway-8417187) weaves across 469 miles, connecting [Shenandoah National Park](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/shenandoah-national-park-virginia-best-wildflower-blooms-11887500) in Virginia with the [Great Smoky Mountains National Park](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/guide-to-great-smoky-mountains-national-park-8557055). The twisting blacktop was built for travelers seeking Appalachian overlooks and a panoramic drive for all seasons, with undulating slopes of color in the fall and a bounty of forest canopy in summer. In the mines of the mineral-rich Appalachian Mountains, visitors can even pan for gold and gemstones. The parkway is a paradise for nature lovers, boasting over 150 species of birds and a diverse array of flora.\n\n[How to Plan the Perfect Trip to the Appalachian Mountains](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/trip-ideas\/best-things-to-do-in-the-appalachian-mountains)\n\n## Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois\n![Aerial view of Lake Shore Drive]()\n\n![Aerial view of Lake Shore Drive](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/thmb\/zrwP2Ze3CaPunh2q4qVTVi19iPo=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/TAL-chicago-lake-shore-drive-USRDTRIPS0225-59c3bdacfce24661bb5a77a6386a30ab.jpg)\n\nChristopher Larson\/Travel + Leisure\n\nThe rock stars of American architecture line up like soldiers facing Lake Michigan along this urban drive. [Chicago's](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/travel-guide\/chicago) buildings are decidedly showstopping, from the Willis Tower dominating the skyline (formerly known as the Sears Tower and once the tallest building in the world) to the late-nineteenth-century marvel The Rookery with its Frank Lloyd Wright-designed lobby, the stark boxes of Mies van der Rohe, and more. Lake Shore Drive runs the length of Chicago from North to South, but you'll want to break up the journey with a stop at Millennium Park to see the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture (otherwise known as \"The Bean\"), lounge on one of the city's lakeside beaches in the summer, or pay a visit to The Art Institute of Chicago, which features its own architecture and design collection.\n\n## 17-Mile Drive, California\n![View along the 17-Mile Drive on the Pacific Coast Highway]()\n\n![View along the 17-Mile Drive on the Pacific Coast Highway](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/thmb\/HYgYauOkxeb3SkAk5xwkZbT_zU8=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/17-mile-drive-f7b48752ed4544e98511b359f8c3e941.jpg)\n\nGetty Images\n\nThe so-called 17-Mile Drive loops around California's stunning Monterey Peninsula. Stretching from the town of Pacific Grove to just above [Carmel-by-the-Sea](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/carmel-by-the-sea-california-town-6735807), the road (privately owned by Pebble Beach) skirts the Pacific coast and runs past seven championship golf courses. In addition to surf-beaten cliffs, colonies of harbor seals, and lookout points galore, the route offers spectacular sunset views that make it worth the \\$12.25 entry fee to drive it (the fee is reimbursed with a \\$35 or more purchase at a Pebble Beach Resorts restaurant). Not too far off the 17-Mile Drive, the [Monterey Bay Aquarium](https:\/\/www.montereybayaquarium.org\/) has ocean-view decks and a million-gallon tank with giant sharks and sea turtles.\n\n[20 'Secret' Spots Along California's Pacific Coast Highway](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/trip-ideas\/road-trips\/california-pacific-coast-highway-road-trip-secret-stops)\n\n## U.S. 1, Florida Keys, Florida\n![Aerial view of Highway 1 in Florida Keys]()\n\n![Aerial view of Highway 1 in Florida Keys](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/thmb\/4DndeSKdPFpA9FM1j9Cd6b_sJH0=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/201103-w-roads-florida-keys-2000-4cc5a105327d4151bade60ce6f20778f.jpg)\n\nM. Timothy O'Keefe\/Alamy\n\nLeaving the mainland for the [Florida Keys](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/travel-guide\/florida-keys), travelers enter a paradise of beach bars and water sports. From Key Largo to [Key West](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/best-hotels-in-key-west-8629263), the [Overseas Highway](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/overseas-highway-florida-road-trip-11880932) strings the islands together like beads, running past lighthouses, underwater coral reef parks, and across the postcard-worthy Seven Mile Bridge. On the docks in Islamorada, travelers can hand-feed tarpon that are more than six feet long. Further down, on Big Pine Key, you can spot some of the island chain's most well-known residents at the [National Key Deer Refuge](https:\/\/www.fws.gov\/refuge\/national-key-deer).\n\n## Route 12, Utah\n![Bryce Canyon]()\n\n![Bryce Canyon](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/thmb\/cPW_1IdSoc34gbxGiqAU8m8G9f0=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/TAL-bryce-canyon-USSCENERDTRIPS0524-a34388596f9a4fc19fede9b7d7e1cae7.jpg)\n\nTaylor McIntyre\/Travel + Leisure\n\nThe red rock majesty of Utah is on triumphant display on State Route 12, winding between [Capitol Reef](https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/care\/index.htm) and [Bryce Canyon](https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/brca\/index.htm) national parks. The 122-mile strip features funky small towns, steep sandstone canyons, and a narrow, cliff-hugging road known as the \"Hogsback.\" Stop in at Escalante's artsy [Kiva Koffeehouse](https:\/\/www.kivakoffeehouse.com\/) to get your caffeine fix, open Wednesdays to Sundays from April through October, and admire the stunning view of [Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument](https:\/\/www.blm.gov\/programs\/national-conservation-lands\/utah\/grand-staircase-escalante-national-monument).\n\n## Bluebonnet Trail, Texas\n![Highway through the bluebonnet fields in Texas]()\n\n![Highway through the bluebonnet fields in Texas](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/thmb\/0TeSp5xlSL-tPotH7qMJW9BP8PQ=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/bluebonnet-trail-55b0f96fc77d40cea65c9c875c4387cd.jpg)\n\nGetty Images\n\nBluebonnets are spiky blue wildflowers found in the Southwestern U.S. They're especially abundant in Texas in March and April (where they're the official state flower). Start this road trip in Austin, home of the [Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center](https:\/\/www.wildflower.org\/), named for the first lady who made national beautification a priority, before embarking on an eastward journey via U.S. Route 290. In addition to seeing them on the side of the road, you'll also get to admire them in full force in Brenham, the halfway point to Houston. Visit [Brenham's tourism website](https:\/\/visitbrenhamtexas.com\/things\/wildflower-watch\/) for up-to-date information on where to find the best bluebonnet patches (behind a Burger King, for example), then make your way to Houston to see them blooming at Buffalo Bayou Park.\n\n[5 Best Texas Road Trips to See Stunning Wildflowers](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/trip-ideas\/road-trips\/texas-road-trips-to-see-wildflowers)\n\n## North Shore Scenic Drive, Minnesota\n![Tunnel along North Shore Drive in Minnesota]()\n\n![Tunnel along North Shore Drive in Minnesota](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/thmb\/sJDwRUHpmD6fNcTeHPyzTeSlmJs=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/north-shore-drive-1c01bb249dd843a4a0629a3d137c70c4.jpg)\n\nGetty Images\n\nMinnesota's Lake Superior shoreline is a thing of beauty. In [Duluth](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/duluth-zephyr-train-lake-superior-historic-dome-car-8642494), a walking path along the lake's edge showcases the city's highlights, including a rose garden and an aerial bridge. Nearby, you can get a look at ocean tankers anchored in the last inland port of the St. Lawrence Seaway as they wait to load iron or grain from America's heartland before sending it out. From Duluth, drive toward Two Harbors, only about 30 minutes away, and admire the lake's shining waters stretching out. At your destination, you'll find the [Split Rock Lighthouse](https:\/\/www.mnhs.org\/splitrock), now a museum, overlooking Lake Superior's rugged coast.\n\n## Trail Ridge Road, Colorado\n![Winding Trail Ridge Road with Colorado Rockies in background]()\n\n![Winding Trail Ridge Road with Colorado Rockies in background](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/thmb\/zyTEqnQ4rC37DHimskfAsiCJdQk=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/trail-ridge-road-46e58f6e9f7948049b5bb9ae2c2102a7.jpg)\n\nGetty Images\n\nWelcome to the highest paved through-road in the U.S., Trail Ridge Road, which passes through Rocky Mountain National Park and climbs as high as 12,183 feet. Crossing over the Continental Divide (following a similar route Native Americans once took), visitors might see elk, deer, and bighorn sheep above the tree line in the dramatic tundra. After about two to three hours of driving, you'll hit Grand Lake, Colorado's largest natural lake, which is also home to a historic town and lake sports. Note, however, that Trail Ridge Road is *not* a year-round route and can only be driven in good conditions, typically from about the end of May to the fall.\n\n## Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire\n![Fall foliage along the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire]()\n\n![Fall foliage along the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/thmb\/zap1N_stusmw7xMfZpDkqkIvjzg=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/kancamagus-highway-0104aa793ad04bee84e66d77ec34a7b4.jpg)\n\nGetty Images\n\nThough the White Mountains are a year-round paradise, the autumnal colors are an undisputed highlight of New Hampshire's 34.5-mile [Kancamagus Highway](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/kancamagus-highway-fall-foliage-new-hampshire-11803554). Serious leaf-peepers visit in September and October to see the trees blazing in full technicolor glory, while spring brings gorgeous flowers. This route starts in Lincoln and ends in Conway (or vice versa), and you'll want to factor in plenty of time to pull over and explore the White Mountains on foot. One highlight is the about half-mile hike to Sabbaday Falls, a multi-tiered waterfall easily accessed from the road.\n\n## Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana\n![Going to the Sun Road scenic mountain highway, MT]()\n\n![Going to the Sun Road scenic mountain highway, MT](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/thmb\/Ihgf_QwTFXv6jZjmvo2AZ5_YZGk=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/going-to-the-sun-road-14d9a7a0e850405b998d38d151c0026e.jpg)\n\nGetty Images\n\nOne of America's most breathtaking drives runs along the spine of the Rockies, past [Glacier National Park's](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/guide-to-glacier-national-park-8699033) snow-capped peaks and lakes, across the Continental Divide. The full 50-mile stretch takes about two hours to drive. The [Going-to-the-Sun Road](https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/glac\/planyourvisit\/gtsrinfo.htm) is only fully open in the summer when conditions allow (typically starting around late June), and [vehicle reservations](https:\/\/www.recreation.gov\/timed-entry\/10087086\/ticket\/10087087) are required during peak months. Supplement your road trip with a day tour at the [Glacier Institute](https:\/\/glacierinstitute.org\/) to learn more about the geology, wildlife, and history of the area.\n\n## Highway 101, Oregon\n![Highway 101 along the Oregon coast]()\n\n![Highway 101 along the Oregon coast](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/thmb\/voA39LzhhSdxS3OtZQl5Z4Jqh6I=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/highway-101-716d261ae2f24abbbe6c5040a710e7cb.jpg)\n\nGetty Images\n\nOregon's portion of the Pacific shoreline is entirely owned by the state and, therefore, open to the public. The more than 360 miles of coast off Highway 101 provide road trippers with perfectly preserved and unobstructed natural vistas. Between Port Orford and Brookings, about an hour's drive away, fierce sea cliffs stand in stark contrast to the pastoral farmland of [Oregon's small towns](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/trip-ideas\/best-small-towns-in-oregon). Pull over when you spot the roadside Tyrannosaurus rex at the [Prehistoric Gardens](https:\/\/www.prehistoricgardens.com\/), where 23 life-size dinosaur replicas are staged against the rainforest landscape.\n\n## Olympic Peninsula Loop, Washington\n![aerial of Olympic Peninsula Loop mountain highway, WA]()\n\n![aerial of Olympic Peninsula Loop mountain highway, WA](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/thmb\/C-D1LZoMghLgvRkTTTUQOV4BQoI=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/olympic-peninsula-loop-a54e7957509c4a2890ad884d5cbe85dc.jpg)\n\nGetty Images\n\nHighway 101, both the scenic route and the peninsula's only major route, loops around one of the largest wilderness areas in the continental U.S. Climb into the [Hoh Rain Forest](https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/olym\/planyourvisit\/visiting-the-hoh.htm), dominated by ancient Sitka spruce and western hemlock. Enjoy endless views from the top of Hurricane Ridge, about 18 miles off the loop from Port Angeles. At low tide, the pools on Olympic beaches are rife with starfish and crabs. The whole loop takes about six hours without stops.\n\n## Route 6, Massachusetts\n![Route 6 along the coast in Cape Cod, MA]()\n\n![Route 6 along the coast in Cape Cod, MA](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/thmb\/EjcZUokYnqKo5xrVHFl3h3EN2qQ=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/route-6-3ccfe4db0c60417c8e7fad48d5cb4ad9.jpg)\n\nGetty Images\n\nThe easternmost portion of Route 6—which actually runs all the way to Bishop, California—links together [Cape Cod's](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/attractions\/things-to-do-in-cape-cod) network of sand dunes, beaches, and quaint fishing towns. You can follow it to [Provincetown's](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/2024-gay-travel-index-safest-destinations-lgbtqia-travelers-8644788) music festivals and art galleries, to the bay side for family-friendly beaches, or oceanside for panoramas of the [Cape Cod National Seashore](https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/caco\/index.htm). Our advice? Book a whale-watching boat tour between mid-April and October to catch a glimpse of a big-winged New Englander (aka a humpback whale).\n\n## Anchorage to Valdez, Alaska\n![road to Anchorage to Valdez along snow-capped mountains, AK]()\n\n![road to Anchorage to Valdez along snow-capped mountains, AK](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/thmb\/1gBZ160_GGheQiJNo2h2JE9jduI=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/201103-w-roads-alaska-2000-4c3a69b8285e40498a87336f3690dbd0.jpg)\n\nAlan Majchrowicz \/ Alamy\n\nThe trip from Anchorage to Valdez, which connects the Glenn and Richardson highways, runs past prehistoric glaciers and into mountain ranges with seemingly endless peaks. Along the 300-mile route in Palmer, gaze at domesticated musk oxen, the Ice Age wonders of the Alaskan landscape, prized for their wool. Further along, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline pops in and out of view. The final approach to Valdez involves a 30-mile descent from Thompson Pass (2,678 feet of elevation) to sea level, passing through the waterfalls of Keystone Canyon and opening into Prince William Sound.\n\n## Lemhi Pass, Montana and Idaho\n![Lemhi Pass]()\n\n![Lemhi Pass](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/thmb\/9cDyiori7SXi2GOhK_dxXcbLyEw=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/lemhi-pass-99cae63b69354ef28e7066300002767d.jpg)\n\nGetty Images\n\nMeriwether Lewis (of Lewis and Clark fame) crossed the Rocky Mountain backbone of North America, the Continental Divide, at Lemhi Pass in 1805. Now, determined visitors with a four-wheel drive can take in the historic view on Forest Service roads from either the [Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest](https:\/\/www.fs.usda.gov\/bdnf) in Montana or the [Salmon-Challis National Forest](https:\/\/www.fs.usda.gov\/scnf) in Idaho.\n\nFor the full experience, go in the summer during the annual Lewis and Clark Festival in Great Falls, Montana, about three hours from the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest.\n\n## Silverado Trail, California\n![Silverado Trail highway through vineyards, CA]()\n\n![Silverado Trail highway through vineyards, CA](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/thmb\/knU5Vijl_-_abzxXd7o4QVx8xjc=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/silverado-trail-16953e193dac40f8a2e26fb694be7429.jpg)\n\nGetty Images\n\nHere's a road trip where the food rivals the scenery. Flanked by vineyards and wineries, [Napa Valley's](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/travel-guide\/napa-valley) Silverado Trail gives California road trippers endless vino options and perhaps some of the tastiest meals on the American culinary scene. Non-drivers must try the Estate Collection tasting at [Stag's Leap Wine Cellars](https:\/\/www.stagsleapwinecellars.com\/), where a 1973 cabernet made headlines for beating French wines in a blind taste test. And for foodies, the three-Michelin star [French Laundry](https:\/\/www.thomaskeller.com\/tfl) restaurant in Yountville is a highlight.\n\n## Ocean Drive, Newport, Rhode Island\n![mansions along Ocean Drive in Newport, RI]()\n\n![mansions along Ocean Drive in Newport, RI](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/thmb\/VV2iv2Jk9J16pCpbFDmcmJv9CGM=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/ocean-drive-5465ae6f4c33451da055ebd2cee127e7.jpg)\n\nGetty Images\n\nThis 10-mile coastal [Rhode Island](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/travel-guide\/rhode-island) route packs in historic mansions and spectacular views over the water. The Gilded Age \"cottages\" of Ocean Drive—which confusingly follows Ocean *Avenue*, not Drive—compete with maritime scenery for jaw-dropping splendor, including opulent homes built for titans of *fin de siècle* industry. War buffs will definitely want to visit historic Fort Adams, which was built in the 19th century and was active on and off for about 150 years.\n\n## Park Loop Road, Acadia National Park, Maine\n![Park Loop Road coastal highway, Maine]()\n\n![Park Loop Road coastal highway, Maine](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/thmb\/lHO0KIKLMlIVtmpQkLT_5KRrw-w=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/park-loop-road-maine-1851eee88779489ba24ac37b245c19cd.jpg)\n\nGetty Images\n\nThe loop through [Acadia National Park](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/acadia-national-park-guide-8604732) can be completed in an hour when summer tourists aren't clogging the 27-mile, two-lane artery. But whatever the season, you'll want to give yourself time to appreciate the dense trees and rugged coast of the North Atlantic along the way. An oceanside inlet dubbed Thunder Hole explodes with a plume of foamy surf as waves beat the shore. If you've got time to spare, spend some time on a lobster fishing boat, then take your catch home for supper.\n\n## Highway 143, Tennessee\n![spring flowers on scenic mountain, Tennessee]()\n\n![spring flowers on scenic mountain, Tennessee](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/thmb\/nMC6w6N1O2n8LkphpupKplZfO98=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/highway-143-a9b315945c764bd8b8b464ef9e479e3c.jpg)\n\nGetty Images\n\nSet out along Tennessee's 12.5-mile Highway 143 in the Roan Highlands of the Appalachian Mountains to witness uninterrupted slopes cloaked in purple blossoms. The highlands portion of the Appalachian Trail is famous for its \"balds\" (summits covered in grasses rather than trees). Stop to admire them on foot with a walk at Carvers Gap, just across the North Carolina border.\n\n## Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, Michigan\n![Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive along sand dunes, Michigan]()\n\n![Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive along sand dunes, Michigan](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/thmb\/SlJHGVTeoVoi6BDiHZ7smEjQDxE=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/pierce-stocking-dbdb6b844f51414083606716aa740545.jpg)\n\nGetty Images\n\nOnly 7.4 miles long, this short and sweet drive along Lake Michigan's eastern shore shows off the majesty of the giant [Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore](https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/slbe\/index.htm), dense forest canopies, and an impressive lake. The trip would take you less than 30 minutes were it not for the lookout points over the lake and dunes to distract you. Before closing the loop, you'll cross a covered bridge reconstructed from one Pierce Stocking himself built in the 1960s. To extend the trip slightly, head five minutes up South Dune Highway to catch the view of Glen Lake after hiking to the top of the \"[Dune Climb](https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/slbe\/planyourvisit\/dune_climb.htm).\"\n\n## The High Road to Taos, New Mexico\n![A narrow canyon with a river flowing through and a bridge visible in the distance under a partially cloudy sky]()\n\n![A narrow canyon with a river flowing through and a bridge visible in the distance under a partially cloudy sky](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/thmb\/Ups7CID7QI-pEaAqgqqxGbDA5Xk=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/TAL-taos-USRDTRIPS0725-d2111800805448d0951e604cd37e0e15.jpg)\n\nMary Robnett\/Travel + Leisure\n\nThe scenic route between [Santa Fe](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/trip-ideas\/things-to-do-in-santa-fe-new-mexico) and Taos offers one photo opportunity after another, from ancient pueblos to forests and artists' studios. The High Road to Taos Scenic Byway passes by Chimayo, a haven for art and history. Whichever direction you choose to drive it, the High Road is bookended by two towns bursting with color and personality. If you're in town during a sweltering summer, don't miss attending a concert at the [Santa Fe Opera](https:\/\/www.santafeopera.org\/).\n\n## Highway 2, Nebraska\n![scenic winding Highway 2, Nebraska]()\n\n![scenic winding Highway 2, Nebraska](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/thmb\/bi83qE14tnQM1RtoHdCXNn9Q-M0=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/201104-w-roads-sandhills-2000-6b5d73cb9e9649c9927838c2b5e30afd.jpg)\n\nRyan K. McGinnis\/Alamy\n\nSandhills (grass-covered sand dunes) are synonymous with Nebraska, resulting in slow, hypnotic curves as far as the eye can see. Drive any stretch of Highway 2 for expansive views of the Great Plains and pastureland. Spend time looking out for cranes at the [Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center](https:\/\/www.cranetrust.org\/) just off Highway 2 in Wood River, or stop in one of the adorable small towns along the way for a taste of local life.\n\n## Pacific Coast Paradise route, California to Washington\nStretching for more than 1,000 miles, [this route](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/best-hidden-gem-usa-road-trips-11838445) connects Seattle to Santa Barbara, snaking past major cities, picture-perfect vineyards, and national parks and forests along the way. Stop in [Portland](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/travel-guide\/portland-oregon) for some funky shopping or head toward the coast to sample cheese and small-town charm in [Tillamook, Oregon](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/tillamook-oregon-best-cheddar-cheese-8772245). Further south, stop at the underrated [Pinnacles National Park](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/california-native-believes-pinnacle-national-park-most-underrated-8660119), shaped by a series of volcanic eruptions millions of years ago, resulting in breathtaking spires and deep canyons.\n\n## Beartooth Highway, Montana\nWeather permitting, [this stretch of US 212,](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/beartooth-highway-most-beautiful-roadway-in-america-11794196) connecting Red Lodge, Montana, with [Yellowstone National Park,](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/guide-to-yellowstone-national-park-8636396) is generally open from around Memorial Day weekend through mid-October. Often dubbed the “Highway to the Sky” and “The Most Beautiful Roadway in America,” the road features steep switchbacks and expansive mountain views. Stop at the Vista Point Observation Site for a breathtaking overlook of the area, or set up overnight at one of the many [campgrounds](https:\/\/www.fs.usda.gov\/recarea\/custergallatin\/recarea\/?recid=81370) along the route.\n\nRead More:\n\n- [Trip Ideas](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/trip-ideas)\n- [Road Trips](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/trip-ideas\/road-trips)\n\n## Related Articles\n[![Pacific Coast Highway]() ![Pacific Coast Highway](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/thmb\/0S8J9c2zX1-Gw_vNXSoM_pQ6DHE=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/pacific-coast-highway-big-sur-FAMRDTRIP0718-badcbae9b81f47498e32f254c034af92.jpg) 14 of the Best U.S. Road Trips for Families](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/trip-ideas\/family-vacations\/family-road-trip-ideas)\n\n[![Driving along Colorado's Million Dollar Highway]() ![Driving along Colorado's Million Dollar Highway](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/thmb\/qbLP3TTIj0ZeqhON05x7c5w_0Vc=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/TAL-colorado-million-dollar-highway-blue-sky-WINTERDRIVES1224-db3742a1faee4558ac7db28e2b9d15ea.jpg) 13 Best Scenic Winter Road Trips in the U.S.](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/trip-ideas-winter-vacations-americas-best-winter-drives-11903371)\n\n[![Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, Skyline Drive]() ![Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, Skyline Drive](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/thmb\/OjqoG4KLjmT5rlIqJ1xX-f735Ic=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/shenandoah-national-park-virginia-skyline-drive-SPRINGRT0319-b0e59aeda8554de2a3e37eeed84155c3.jpg) 11 Beautiful U.S. Road Trips to Take This Spring](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/trip-ideas-road-trips-americas-best-spring-drives-11903370)\n\n[![A sign for the Thunder Hill Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway]() ![A sign for the Thunder Hill 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country](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/thmb\/JdLloEsuvwrD8CwGSKrWIHhLu3I=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/ahjumawi-lava-springs-state-park-california-CALIRDTRIPS0121-31ca9e5e8baa43afa9cd1cf71c7e2a35.jpg) 8 Amazing California Road Trips That Take You From Big Sur to the Sierras](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/trip-ideas\/road-trips\/best-california-road-trips)\n\n[![Aerial shot at the pacific at sunset Pacific coast road Highway 1 California. ]() ![Aerial shot at the pacific at sunset Pacific coast road Highway 1 California. ](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/thmb\/pIC72ItqfRQ0aTDnjo-USN5dLUA=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/TAL-viewpoint-pacific-coast-highway-california-NO1RT0824-0cef3f8952b84f02b586461f5076c7b3.jpg) This Picturesque Road Trip Is the Most-searched Route in the U.S.—and It Passes by Mountains and Beaches](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/most-popular-u-s-road-trip-pch-11822259)\n\n[![Amazing mountain range, with bird flying at the Napali Coast, Kauai, Hawaii]() ![Amazing mountain range, with bird flying at the Napali Coast, Kauai, Hawaii](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/thmb\/_pNLdMkMP0XWMzGz7BfqFqnebcw=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/header-napali-coast-hawaii-BEAUTYSTS0522-97e6bc1a127347b58c39d563ff2c53d9.jpg) The 51 Most Beautiful Places in the U.S.](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/trip-ideas\/most-beautiful-places-in-the-us)\n\n[![High elevation view of Dewey Lake from the Pacific Crest Trail.]() ![High elevation view of Dewey Lake from the Pacific Crest Trail.](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/thmb\/qgkEt2P6oKlWvGjZDyFad3PlrFw=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/cascade-mountains-range-USMNTNS0720-db9bdf21ee2e47b1868232c551c01006.jpg) 15 Beautiful Mountain Ranges in the U.S. for a Scenic Adventure Trip](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/trip-ideas\/nature-travel\/mountain-ranges-in-the-us)\n\n[![Garden of the Gods framed by twisted Juniper Trees]() ![Garden of the Gods framed by twisted Juniper Trees](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/thmb\/x1CZL02t90tWfXdrQnmVm2SkFnQ=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/garden-of-the-gods-colorado-COROADTRIP0420-8eb0edc6b1404c518e949f12c11b5362.jpg) Explore Colorado's Ultimate Scenic Road Trip Itinerary](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/trip-ideas\/road-trips\/colorado-road-trip-itinerary)\n\n[![A car on Rt 66]() ![A car on Rt 66](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/thmb\/yL_fFpAAW4yozJlf7PWjM-j0gAo=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/TAL-rt-66-california-RT66100BDAY1025-4d0feb3aa61d405384c17a1f915b981e.jpg) This Classic American Road Trip Was Just Named the Most Scenic Drive in the U.S.](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/most-scenic-drives-in-america-analysis-11841349)\n\n[![Newport Bridge, Rhode Island]() ![Newport Bridge, Rhode Island](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/thmb\/CFpZF84S1muPshJmfFhpp3YqPMY=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/newport-bridge-rhode-island-EASTCOASTRDS0720-16bab6c6053d4bd08a5f93563552913b.jpg) Top East Coast Road Trips: History, Beaches, and Seafood Delights](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/trip-ideas\/road-trips\/best-east-coast-road-trips)\n\n[![Road along Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park ]() ![Road along Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park ](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/thmb\/ayIcFhykQ43JgIHHrNkK0WrYJbw=\/282x188\/filters:no_upscale\$\$:max_bytes\$150000\$:strip_icc\$\$\/TAL-road-trip-big-sur-california-WESTCOASTRT1224-b3e32800b1064713b325a19117e93a7c.jpg) This Little-known Route With Stunning Ocean Views Was Named the Best Road Trip on the U.S. West Coast](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/best-hidden-gem-usa-road-trips-11838445)\n\n[Travel + Leisure](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/)\n\n[Newsletters](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/trip-ideas\/road-trips\/americas-most-scenic-roads)\n\nFollow Us\n\n- [Trip Ideas](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/trip-ideas)\n- [Travel Tips](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/travel-tips)\n- [Travel Guides](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/travel-guide)\n- [World's Best Awards](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/worlds-best-awards-2025-11744233)\n- [Travel Products](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/best-products)\n- [Hotels + Resorts](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/hotels-resorts)\n- [Airlines + Airports](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/airlines-airports)\n- [News](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/travel-news)\n- [Cruises](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/cruises)\n\n- [Subscribe](https:\/\/www.magazines.com\/travel-leisure-magazine.html)\n- [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.people.inc\/brands-privacy)\n- [About Us](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/about-us-5324386)\n- [Terms of Service](https:\/\/www.people.inc\/brands-termsofservice)\n- [Advertise](https:\/\/www.people.inc\/advertising)\n- [Careers](https:\/\/www.people.inc\/careers)\n\nTravel + Leisure is part of the [People Inc.](https:\/\/www.people.inc\/) publishing family.\n\nNewsletter Sign Up\n\nNewsletter Sign Up","attrs_readable_markdown":"From the dramatic California coast to the history-lined thoroughfares of New England, the United States is brimming with scenic drives. There's no shortage of stunning views along the way, like on the 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway, for example, which meanders past limestone caverns, clear mountain springs, and Appalachian majesty; or on the popular Going-to-the-Sun Road in Montana's Glacier National Park, which winds past snow-covered peaks.\n\nSometimes it's not just nature, but also human-made sights that make a trip, like marveling at Chicago's impressive skyline, which is viewable from the city's Lake Shore Drive; or hanging out at local beach bars serving up margaritas and blaring Jimmy Buffet hits along U.S. 1 from Key Largo to Key West.\n\nThese are the best road trips around the U.S.\n\n## Hana Highway, Maui, Hawaii\nRoyce Bair\/Alamy\n\nThe T-shirts all say: \"I survived the [road to Hana](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/guide-to-driving-the-road-to-hana-7497891).\" And the reason is clear as soon as you set out. It can take anywhere from two to four hours to travel the 52 miles from Kahului to Hana, as you snake past steep sea cliffs and narrow one-lane bridges, ideally stopping to buy banana bread from roadside markets and [take in the stunning vistas at every turn](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/maui-hawaii-road-to-hana-roadtrip-usa-11750465). In the tiny town of Hana, on the eastern shore of Maui, stands a secluded [red-sand beach](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/trip-ideas\/beach-vacations\/worlds-red-sand-beaches) (known for its clothing-optional vibes). Just beyond, about 30 minutes from town, are the must-visit multi-tiered Pools of Oheo, which gently cascade in [Haleakala National Park](https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/hale\/index.htm).\n\n## Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina and Virginia\nAndre Jenny\/Alamy\n\nThis [scenic drive](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/most-peaceful-place-in-north-carolina-blue-ridge-parkway-8417187) weaves across 469 miles, connecting [Shenandoah National Park](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/shenandoah-national-park-virginia-best-wildflower-blooms-11887500) in Virginia with the [Great Smoky Mountains National Park](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/guide-to-great-smoky-mountains-national-park-8557055). The twisting blacktop was built for travelers seeking Appalachian overlooks and a panoramic drive for all seasons, with undulating slopes of color in the fall and a bounty of forest canopy in summer. In the mines of the mineral-rich Appalachian Mountains, visitors can even pan for gold and gemstones. The parkway is a paradise for nature lovers, boasting over 150 species of birds and a diverse array of flora.\n\n## Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois\nChristopher Larson\/Travel + Leisure\n\nThe rock stars of American architecture line up like soldiers facing Lake Michigan along this urban drive. [Chicago's](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/travel-guide\/chicago) buildings are decidedly showstopping, from the Willis Tower dominating the skyline (formerly known as the Sears Tower and once the tallest building in the world) to the late-nineteenth-century marvel The Rookery with its Frank Lloyd Wright-designed lobby, the stark boxes of Mies van der Rohe, and more. Lake Shore Drive runs the length of Chicago from North to South, but you'll want to break up the journey with a stop at Millennium Park to see the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture (otherwise known as \"The Bean\"), lounge on one of the city's lakeside beaches in the summer, or pay a visit to The Art Institute of Chicago, which features its own architecture and design collection.\n\n## 17-Mile Drive, California\nGetty Images\n\nThe so-called 17-Mile Drive loops around California's stunning Monterey Peninsula. Stretching from the town of Pacific Grove to just above [Carmel-by-the-Sea](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/carmel-by-the-sea-california-town-6735807), the road (privately owned by Pebble Beach) skirts the Pacific coast and runs past seven championship golf courses. In addition to surf-beaten cliffs, colonies of harbor seals, and lookout points galore, the route offers spectacular sunset views that make it worth the \\$12.25 entry fee to drive it (the fee is reimbursed with a \\$35 or more purchase at a Pebble Beach Resorts restaurant). Not too far off the 17-Mile Drive, the [Monterey Bay Aquarium](https:\/\/www.montereybayaquarium.org\/) has ocean-view decks and a million-gallon tank with giant sharks and sea turtles.\n\n## U.S. 1, Florida Keys, Florida\nM. Timothy O'Keefe\/Alamy\n\nLeaving the mainland for the [Florida Keys](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/travel-guide\/florida-keys), travelers enter a paradise of beach bars and water sports. From Key Largo to [Key West](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/best-hotels-in-key-west-8629263), the [Overseas Highway](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/overseas-highway-florida-road-trip-11880932) strings the islands together like beads, running past lighthouses, underwater coral reef parks, and across the postcard-worthy Seven Mile Bridge. On the docks in Islamorada, travelers can hand-feed tarpon that are more than six feet long. Further down, on Big Pine Key, you can spot some of the island chain's most well-known residents at the [National Key Deer Refuge](https:\/\/www.fws.gov\/refuge\/national-key-deer).\n\n## Route 12, Utah\nTaylor McIntyre\/Travel + Leisure\n\nThe red rock majesty of Utah is on triumphant display on State Route 12, winding between [Capitol Reef](https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/care\/index.htm) and [Bryce Canyon](https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/brca\/index.htm) national parks. The 122-mile strip features funky small towns, steep sandstone canyons, and a narrow, cliff-hugging road known as the \"Hogsback.\" Stop in at Escalante's artsy [Kiva Koffeehouse](https:\/\/www.kivakoffeehouse.com\/) to get your caffeine fix, open Wednesdays to Sundays from April through October, and admire the stunning view of [Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument](https:\/\/www.blm.gov\/programs\/national-conservation-lands\/utah\/grand-staircase-escalante-national-monument).\n\n## Bluebonnet Trail, Texas\nGetty Images\n\nBluebonnets are spiky blue wildflowers found in the Southwestern U.S. They're especially abundant in Texas in March and April (where they're the official state flower). Start this road trip in Austin, home of the [Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center](https:\/\/www.wildflower.org\/), named for the first lady who made national beautification a priority, before embarking on an eastward journey via U.S. Route 290. In addition to seeing them on the side of the road, you'll also get to admire them in full force in Brenham, the halfway point to Houston. Visit [Brenham's tourism website](https:\/\/visitbrenhamtexas.com\/things\/wildflower-watch\/) for up-to-date information on where to find the best bluebonnet patches (behind a Burger King, for example), then make your way to Houston to see them blooming at Buffalo Bayou Park.\n\n## North Shore Scenic Drive, Minnesota\nGetty Images\n\nMinnesota's Lake Superior shoreline is a thing of beauty. In [Duluth](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/duluth-zephyr-train-lake-superior-historic-dome-car-8642494), a walking path along the lake's edge showcases the city's highlights, including a rose garden and an aerial bridge. Nearby, you can get a look at ocean tankers anchored in the last inland port of the St. Lawrence Seaway as they wait to load iron or grain from America's heartland before sending it out. From Duluth, drive toward Two Harbors, only about 30 minutes away, and admire the lake's shining waters stretching out. At your destination, you'll find the [Split Rock Lighthouse](https:\/\/www.mnhs.org\/splitrock), now a museum, overlooking Lake Superior's rugged coast.\n\n## Trail Ridge Road, Colorado\nGetty Images\n\nWelcome to the highest paved through-road in the U.S., Trail Ridge Road, which passes through Rocky Mountain National Park and climbs as high as 12,183 feet. Crossing over the Continental Divide (following a similar route Native Americans once took), visitors might see elk, deer, and bighorn sheep above the tree line in the dramatic tundra. After about two to three hours of driving, you'll hit Grand Lake, Colorado's largest natural lake, which is also home to a historic town and lake sports. Note, however, that Trail Ridge Road is *not* a year-round route and can only be driven in good conditions, typically from about the end of May to the fall.\n\n## Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire\nGetty Images\n\nThough the White Mountains are a year-round paradise, the autumnal colors are an undisputed highlight of New Hampshire's 34.5-mile [Kancamagus Highway](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/kancamagus-highway-fall-foliage-new-hampshire-11803554). Serious leaf-peepers visit in September and October to see the trees blazing in full technicolor glory, while spring brings gorgeous flowers. This route starts in Lincoln and ends in Conway (or vice versa), and you'll want to factor in plenty of time to pull over and explore the White Mountains on foot. One highlight is the about half-mile hike to Sabbaday Falls, a multi-tiered waterfall easily accessed from the road.\n\n## Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana\nGetty Images\n\nOne of America's most breathtaking drives runs along the spine of the Rockies, past [Glacier National Park's](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/guide-to-glacier-national-park-8699033) snow-capped peaks and lakes, across the Continental Divide. The full 50-mile stretch takes about two hours to drive. The [Going-to-the-Sun Road](https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/glac\/planyourvisit\/gtsrinfo.htm) is only fully open in the summer when conditions allow (typically starting around late June), and [vehicle reservations](https:\/\/www.recreation.gov\/timed-entry\/10087086\/ticket\/10087087) are required during peak months. Supplement your road trip with a day tour at the [Glacier Institute](https:\/\/glacierinstitute.org\/) to learn more about the geology, wildlife, and history of the area.\n\n## Highway 101, Oregon\nGetty Images\n\nOregon's portion of the Pacific shoreline is entirely owned by the state and, therefore, open to the public. The more than 360 miles of coast off Highway 101 provide road trippers with perfectly preserved and unobstructed natural vistas. Between Port Orford and Brookings, about an hour's drive away, fierce sea cliffs stand in stark contrast to the pastoral farmland of [Oregon's small towns](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/trip-ideas\/best-small-towns-in-oregon). Pull over when you spot the roadside Tyrannosaurus rex at the [Prehistoric Gardens](https:\/\/www.prehistoricgardens.com\/), where 23 life-size dinosaur replicas are staged against the rainforest landscape.\n\n## Olympic Peninsula Loop, Washington\nGetty Images\n\nHighway 101, both the scenic route and the peninsula's only major route, loops around one of the largest wilderness areas in the continental U.S. Climb into the [Hoh Rain Forest](https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/olym\/planyourvisit\/visiting-the-hoh.htm), dominated by ancient Sitka spruce and western hemlock. Enjoy endless views from the top of Hurricane Ridge, about 18 miles off the loop from Port Angeles. At low tide, the pools on Olympic beaches are rife with starfish and crabs. The whole loop takes about six hours without stops.\n\n## Route 6, Massachusetts\nGetty Images\n\nThe easternmost portion of Route 6—which actually runs all the way to Bishop, California—links together [Cape Cod's](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/attractions\/things-to-do-in-cape-cod) network of sand dunes, beaches, and quaint fishing towns. You can follow it to [Provincetown's](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/2024-gay-travel-index-safest-destinations-lgbtqia-travelers-8644788) music festivals and art galleries, to the bay side for family-friendly beaches, or oceanside for panoramas of the [Cape Cod National Seashore](https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/caco\/index.htm). Our advice? Book a whale-watching boat tour between mid-April and October to catch a glimpse of a big-winged New Englander (aka a humpback whale).\n\n## Anchorage to Valdez, Alaska\nAlan Majchrowicz \/ Alamy\n\nThe trip from Anchorage to Valdez, which connects the Glenn and Richardson highways, runs past prehistoric glaciers and into mountain ranges with seemingly endless peaks. Along the 300-mile route in Palmer, gaze at domesticated musk oxen, the Ice Age wonders of the Alaskan landscape, prized for their wool. Further along, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline pops in and out of view. The final approach to Valdez involves a 30-mile descent from Thompson Pass (2,678 feet of elevation) to sea level, passing through the waterfalls of Keystone Canyon and opening into Prince William Sound.\n\n## Lemhi Pass, Montana and Idaho\nGetty Images\n\nMeriwether Lewis (of Lewis and Clark fame) crossed the Rocky Mountain backbone of North America, the Continental Divide, at Lemhi Pass in 1805. Now, determined visitors with a four-wheel drive can take in the historic view on Forest Service roads from either the [Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest](https:\/\/www.fs.usda.gov\/bdnf) in Montana or the [Salmon-Challis National Forest](https:\/\/www.fs.usda.gov\/scnf) in Idaho.\n\nFor the full experience, go in the summer during the annual Lewis and Clark Festival in Great Falls, Montana, about three hours from the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest.\n\n## Silverado Trail, California\nGetty Images\n\nHere's a road trip where the food rivals the scenery. Flanked by vineyards and wineries, [Napa Valley's](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/travel-guide\/napa-valley) Silverado Trail gives California road trippers endless vino options and perhaps some of the tastiest meals on the American culinary scene. Non-drivers must try the Estate Collection tasting at [Stag's Leap Wine Cellars](https:\/\/www.stagsleapwinecellars.com\/), where a 1973 cabernet made headlines for beating French wines in a blind taste test. And for foodies, the three-Michelin star [French Laundry](https:\/\/www.thomaskeller.com\/tfl) restaurant in Yountville is a highlight.\n\n## Ocean Drive, Newport, Rhode Island\nGetty Images\n\nThis 10-mile coastal [Rhode Island](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/travel-guide\/rhode-island) route packs in historic mansions and spectacular views over the water. The Gilded Age \"cottages\" of Ocean Drive—which confusingly follows Ocean *Avenue*, not Drive—compete with maritime scenery for jaw-dropping splendor, including opulent homes built for titans of *fin de siècle* industry. War buffs will definitely want to visit historic Fort Adams, which was built in the 19th century and was active on and off for about 150 years.\n\n## Park Loop Road, Acadia National Park, Maine\nGetty Images\n\nThe loop through [Acadia National Park](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/acadia-national-park-guide-8604732) can be completed in an hour when summer tourists aren't clogging the 27-mile, two-lane artery. But whatever the season, you'll want to give yourself time to appreciate the dense trees and rugged coast of the North Atlantic along the way. An oceanside inlet dubbed Thunder Hole explodes with a plume of foamy surf as waves beat the shore. If you've got time to spare, spend some time on a lobster fishing boat, then take your catch home for supper.\n\n## Highway 143, Tennessee\nGetty Images\n\nSet out along Tennessee's 12.5-mile Highway 143 in the Roan Highlands of the Appalachian Mountains to witness uninterrupted slopes cloaked in purple blossoms. The highlands portion of the Appalachian Trail is famous for its \"balds\" (summits covered in grasses rather than trees). Stop to admire them on foot with a walk at Carvers Gap, just across the North Carolina border.\n\n## Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, Michigan\nGetty Images\n\nOnly 7.4 miles long, this short and sweet drive along Lake Michigan's eastern shore shows off the majesty of the giant [Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore](https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/slbe\/index.htm), dense forest canopies, and an impressive lake. The trip would take you less than 30 minutes were it not for the lookout points over the lake and dunes to distract you. Before closing the loop, you'll cross a covered bridge reconstructed from one Pierce Stocking himself built in the 1960s. To extend the trip slightly, head five minutes up South Dune Highway to catch the view of Glen Lake after hiking to the top of the \"[Dune Climb](https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/slbe\/planyourvisit\/dune_climb.htm).\"\n\n## The High Road to Taos, New Mexico\nMary Robnett\/Travel + Leisure\n\nThe scenic route between [Santa Fe](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/trip-ideas\/things-to-do-in-santa-fe-new-mexico) and Taos offers one photo opportunity after another, from ancient pueblos to forests and artists' studios. The High Road to Taos Scenic Byway passes by Chimayo, a haven for art and history. Whichever direction you choose to drive it, the High Road is bookended by two towns bursting with color and personality. If you're in town during a sweltering summer, don't miss attending a concert at the [Santa Fe Opera](https:\/\/www.santafeopera.org\/).\n\n## Highway 2, Nebraska\nRyan K. McGinnis\/Alamy\n\nSandhills (grass-covered sand dunes) are synonymous with Nebraska, resulting in slow, hypnotic curves as far as the eye can see. Drive any stretch of Highway 2 for expansive views of the Great Plains and pastureland. Spend time looking out for cranes at the [Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center](https:\/\/www.cranetrust.org\/) just off Highway 2 in Wood River, or stop in one of the adorable small towns along the way for a taste of local life.\n\n## Pacific Coast Paradise route, California to Washington\nStretching for more than 1,000 miles, [this route](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/best-hidden-gem-usa-road-trips-11838445) connects Seattle to Santa Barbara, snaking past major cities, picture-perfect vineyards, and national parks and forests along the way. Stop in [Portland](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/travel-guide\/portland-oregon) for some funky shopping or head toward the coast to sample cheese and small-town charm in [Tillamook, Oregon](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/tillamook-oregon-best-cheddar-cheese-8772245). Further south, stop at the underrated [Pinnacles National Park](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/california-native-believes-pinnacle-national-park-most-underrated-8660119), shaped by a series of volcanic eruptions millions of years ago, resulting in breathtaking spires and deep canyons.\n\n## Beartooth Highway, Montana\nWeather permitting, [this stretch of US 212,](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/beartooth-highway-most-beautiful-roadway-in-america-11794196) connecting Red Lodge, Montana, with [Yellowstone National Park,](https:\/\/www.travelandleisure.com\/guide-to-yellowstone-national-park-8636396) is generally open from around Memorial Day weekend through mid-October. Often dubbed the “Highway to the Sky” and “The Most Beautiful Roadway in America,” the road features steep switchbacks and expansive mountain views. Stop at the Vista Point Observation Site for a breathtaking overlook of the area, or set up overnight at one of the many [campgrounds](https:\/\/www.fs.usda.gov\/recarea\/custergallatin\/recarea\/?recid=81370) along the route.","meta_canonical":null,"ml_categories_json":"{\"\/Travel_and_Transportation\":990,\"\/Travel_and_Transportation\/Tourist_Destinations\":659,\"\/Travel_and_Transportation\/Tourist_Destinations\/Regional_Parks_and_Gardens\":571}","ml_types_json":"{\"\/Article\":622,\"\/Article\/Roundup\":614}","ml_intent_types_json":"{\"Informational\":998}","meta_language":"en","attrs_author":null,"attrs_publish_time":0,"attrs_original_publish_time":1582239864,"attrs_is_republished":0,"attrs_nr_words":"3547","attrs_boilerpipe_nr_words":"2541","body_ext_links_number":52,"body_int_links_number":210,"meta_nofollow":0,"meta_noarchive":1,"props_was_rendered":0,"src_redirect":"","download_time_msec":309,"download_ttfb_msec":195,"download_size":70994}

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23 Best Road Trips in the U.S.

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From the dramatic California coast to the history-lined thoroughfares of New England, there are countless scenic drives across the country. Here are the best road trips in the U.S.

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From the dramatic California coast to the history-lined thoroughfares of New England, the United States is brimming with scenic drives. There's no shortage of stunning views along the way, like on the 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway, for example, which meanders past limestone caverns, clear mountain springs, and Appalachian majesty; or on the popular Going-to-the-Sun Road in Montana's Glacier National Park, which winds past snow-covered peaks. Sometimes it's not just nature, but also human-made sights that make a trip, like marveling at Chicago's impressive skyline, which is viewable from the city's Lake Shore Drive; or hanging out at local beach bars serving up margaritas and blaring Jimmy Buffet hits along U.S. 1 from Key Largo to Key West. These are the best road trips around the U.S. Hana Highway, Maui, Hawaii Royce Bair/Alamy The T-shirts all say: "I survived the road to Hana ." And the reason is clear as soon as you set out. It can take anywhere from two to four hours to travel the 52 miles from Kahului to Hana, as you snake past steep sea cliffs and narrow one-lane bridges, ideally stopping to buy banana bread from roadside markets and take in the stunning vistas at every turn . In the tiny town of Hana, on the eastern shore of Maui, stands a secluded red-sand beach (known for its clothing-optional vibes). Just beyond, about 30 minutes from town, are the must-visit multi-tiered Pools of Oheo, which gently cascade in Haleakala National Park . Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina and Virginia Andre Jenny/Alamy This scenic drive weaves across 469 miles, connecting Shenandoah National Park in Virginia with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park . The twisting blacktop was built for travelers seeking Appalachian overlooks and a panoramic drive for all seasons, with undulating slopes of color in the fall and a bounty of forest canopy in summer. In the mines of the mineral-rich Appalachian Mountains, visitors can even pan for gold and gemstones. The parkway is a paradise for nature lovers, boasting over 150 species of birds and a diverse array of flora. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure The rock stars of American architecture line up like soldiers facing Lake Michigan along this urban drive. Chicago's buildings are decidedly showstopping, from the Willis Tower dominating the skyline (formerly known as the Sears Tower and once the tallest building in the world) to the late-nineteenth-century marvel The Rookery with its Frank Lloyd Wright-designed lobby, the stark boxes of Mies van der Rohe, and more. Lake Shore Drive runs the length of Chicago from North to South, but you'll want to break up the journey with a stop at Millennium Park to see the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture (otherwise known as "The Bean"), lounge on one of the city's lakeside beaches in the summer, or pay a visit to The Art Institute of Chicago, which features its own architecture and design collection. 17-Mile Drive, California Getty Images The so-called 17-Mile Drive loops around California's stunning Monterey Peninsula. Stretching from the town of Pacific Grove to just above Carmel-by-the-Sea , the road (privately owned by Pebble Beach) skirts the Pacific coast and runs past seven championship golf courses. In addition to surf-beaten cliffs, colonies of harbor seals, and lookout points galore, the route offers spectacular sunset views that make it worth the $12.25 entry fee to drive it (the fee is reimbursed with a $35 or more purchase at a Pebble Beach Resorts restaurant). Not too far off the 17-Mile Drive, the Monterey Bay Aquarium has ocean-view decks and a million-gallon tank with giant sharks and sea turtles. U.S. 1, Florida Keys, Florida M. Timothy O'Keefe/Alamy Leaving the mainland for the Florida Keys , travelers enter a paradise of beach bars and water sports. From Key Largo to Key West , the Overseas Highway strings the islands together like beads, running past lighthouses, underwater coral reef parks, and across the postcard-worthy Seven Mile Bridge. On the docks in Islamorada, travelers can hand-feed tarpon that are more than six feet long. Further down, on Big Pine Key, you can spot some of the island chain's most well-known residents at the National Key Deer Refuge . Route 12, Utah Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure The red rock majesty of Utah is on triumphant display on State Route 12, winding between Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon national parks. The 122-mile strip features funky small towns, steep sandstone canyons, and a narrow, cliff-hugging road known as the "Hogsback." Stop in at Escalante's artsy Kiva Koffeehouse to get your caffeine fix, open Wednesdays to Sundays from April through October, and admire the stunning view of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument . Bluebonnet Trail, Texas Getty Images Bluebonnets are spiky blue wildflowers found in the Southwestern U.S. They're especially abundant in Texas in March and April (where they're the official state flower). Start this road trip in Austin, home of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center , named for the first lady who made national beautification a priority, before embarking on an eastward journey via U.S. Route 290. In addition to seeing them on the side of the road, you'll also get to admire them in full force in Brenham, the halfway point to Houston. Visit Brenham's tourism website for up-to-date information on where to find the best bluebonnet patches (behind a Burger King, for example), then make your way to Houston to see them blooming at Buffalo Bayou Park. North Shore Scenic Drive, Minnesota Getty Images Minnesota's Lake Superior shoreline is a thing of beauty. In Duluth , a walking path along the lake's edge showcases the city's highlights, including a rose garden and an aerial bridge. Nearby, you can get a look at ocean tankers anchored in the last inland port of the St. Lawrence Seaway as they wait to load iron or grain from America's heartland before sending it out. From Duluth, drive toward Two Harbors, only about 30 minutes away, and admire the lake's shining waters stretching out. At your destination, you'll find the Split Rock Lighthouse , now a museum, overlooking Lake Superior's rugged coast. Trail Ridge Road, Colorado Getty Images Welcome to the highest paved through-road in the U.S., Trail Ridge Road, which passes through Rocky Mountain National Park and climbs as high as 12,183 feet. Crossing over the Continental Divide (following a similar route Native Americans once took), visitors might see elk, deer, and bighorn sheep above the tree line in the dramatic tundra. After about two to three hours of driving, you'll hit Grand Lake, Colorado's largest natural lake, which is also home to a historic town and lake sports. Note, however, that Trail Ridge Road is not a year-round route and can only be driven in good conditions, typically from about the end of May to the fall. Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire Getty Images Though the White Mountains are a year-round paradise, the autumnal colors are an undisputed highlight of New Hampshire's 34.5-mile Kancamagus Highway . Serious leaf-peepers visit in September and October to see the trees blazing in full technicolor glory, while spring brings gorgeous flowers. This route starts in Lincoln and ends in Conway (or vice versa), and you'll want to factor in plenty of time to pull over and explore the White Mountains on foot. One highlight is the about half-mile hike to Sabbaday Falls, a multi-tiered waterfall easily accessed from the road. Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana Getty Images One of America's most breathtaking drives runs along the spine of the Rockies, past Glacier National Park's snow-capped peaks and lakes, across the Continental Divide. The full 50-mile stretch takes about two hours to drive. The Going-to-the-Sun Road is only fully open in the summer when conditions allow (typically starting around late June), and vehicle reservations are required during peak months. Supplement your road trip with a day tour at the Glacier Institute to learn more about the geology, wildlife, and history of the area. Highway 101, Oregon Getty Images Oregon's portion of the Pacific shoreline is entirely owned by the state and, therefore, open to the public. The more than 360 miles of coast off Highway 101 provide road trippers with perfectly preserved and unobstructed natural vistas. Between Port Orford and Brookings, about an hour's drive away, fierce sea cliffs stand in stark contrast to the pastoral farmland of Oregon's small towns . Pull over when you spot the roadside Tyrannosaurus rex at the Prehistoric Gardens , where 23 life-size dinosaur replicas are staged against the rainforest landscape. Olympic Peninsula Loop, Washington Getty Images Highway 101, both the scenic route and the peninsula's only major route, loops around one of the largest wilderness areas in the continental U.S. Climb into the Hoh Rain Forest , dominated by ancient Sitka spruce and western hemlock. Enjoy endless views from the top of Hurricane Ridge, about 18 miles off the loop from Port Angeles. At low tide, the pools on Olympic beaches are rife with starfish and crabs. The whole loop takes about six hours without stops. Route 6, Massachusetts Getty Images The easternmost portion of Route 6—which actually runs all the way to Bishop, California—links together Cape Cod's network of sand dunes, beaches, and quaint fishing towns. You can follow it to Provincetown's music festivals and art galleries, to the bay side for family-friendly beaches, or oceanside for panoramas of the Cape Cod National Seashore . Our advice? Book a whale-watching boat tour between mid-April and October to catch a glimpse of a big-winged New Englander (aka a humpback whale). Anchorage to Valdez, Alaska Alan Majchrowicz / Alamy The trip from Anchorage to Valdez, which connects the Glenn and Richardson highways, runs past prehistoric glaciers and into mountain ranges with seemingly endless peaks. Along the 300-mile route in Palmer, gaze at domesticated musk oxen, the Ice Age wonders of the Alaskan landscape, prized for their wool. Further along, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline pops in and out of view. The final approach to Valdez involves a 30-mile descent from Thompson Pass (2,678 feet of elevation) to sea level, passing through the waterfalls of Keystone Canyon and opening into Prince William Sound. Lemhi Pass, Montana and Idaho Getty Images Meriwether Lewis (of Lewis and Clark fame) crossed the Rocky Mountain backbone of North America, the Continental Divide, at Lemhi Pass in 1805. Now, determined visitors with a four-wheel drive can take in the historic view on Forest Service roads from either the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest in Montana or the Salmon-Challis National Forest in Idaho. For the full experience, go in the summer during the annual Lewis and Clark Festival in Great Falls, Montana, about three hours from the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. Silverado Trail, California Getty Images Here's a road trip where the food rivals the scenery. Flanked by vineyards and wineries, Napa Valley's Silverado Trail gives California road trippers endless vino options and perhaps some of the tastiest meals on the American culinary scene. Non-drivers must try the Estate Collection tasting at Stag's Leap Wine Cellars , where a 1973 cabernet made headlines for beating French wines in a blind taste test. And for foodies, the three-Michelin star French Laundry restaurant in Yountville is a highlight. Ocean Drive, Newport, Rhode Island Getty Images This 10-mile coastal Rhode Island route packs in historic mansions and spectacular views over the water. The Gilded Age "cottages" of Ocean Drive—which confusingly follows Ocean Avenue , not Drive—compete with maritime scenery for jaw-dropping splendor, including opulent homes built for titans of fin de siècle industry. War buffs will definitely want to visit historic Fort Adams, which was built in the 19th century and was active on and off for about 150 years. Park Loop Road, Acadia National Park, Maine Getty Images The loop through Acadia National Park can be completed in an hour when summer tourists aren't clogging the 27-mile, two-lane artery. But whatever the season, you'll want to give yourself time to appreciate the dense trees and rugged coast of the North Atlantic along the way. An oceanside inlet dubbed Thunder Hole explodes with a plume of foamy surf as waves beat the shore. If you've got time to spare, spend some time on a lobster fishing boat, then take your catch home for supper. Highway 143, Tennessee Getty Images Set out along Tennessee's 12.5-mile Highway 143 in the Roan Highlands of the Appalachian Mountains to witness uninterrupted slopes cloaked in purple blossoms. The highlands portion of the Appalachian Trail is famous for its "balds" (summits covered in grasses rather than trees). Stop to admire them on foot with a walk at Carvers Gap, just across the North Carolina border. Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, Michigan Getty Images Only 7.4 miles long, this short and sweet drive along Lake Michigan's eastern shore shows off the majesty of the giant Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore , dense forest canopies, and an impressive lake. The trip would take you less than 30 minutes were it not for the lookout points over the lake and dunes to distract you. Before closing the loop, you'll cross a covered bridge reconstructed from one Pierce Stocking himself built in the 1960s. To extend the trip slightly, head five minutes up South Dune Highway to catch the view of Glen Lake after hiking to the top of the " Dune Climb ." The High Road to Taos, New Mexico Mary Robnett/Travel + Leisure The scenic route between Santa Fe and Taos offers one photo opportunity after another, from ancient pueblos to forests and artists' studios. The High Road to Taos Scenic Byway passes by Chimayo, a haven for art and history. Whichever direction you choose to drive it, the High Road is bookended by two towns bursting with color and personality. If you're in town during a sweltering summer, don't miss attending a concert at the Santa Fe Opera . Highway 2, Nebraska Ryan K. McGinnis/Alamy Sandhills (grass-covered sand dunes) are synonymous with Nebraska, resulting in slow, hypnotic curves as far as the eye can see. Drive any stretch of Highway 2 for expansive views of the Great Plains and pastureland. Spend time looking out for cranes at the Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center just off Highway 2 in Wood River, or stop in one of the adorable small towns along the way for a taste of local life. Pacific Coast Paradise route, California to Washington Stretching for more than 1,000 miles, this route connects Seattle to Santa Barbara, snaking past major cities, picture-perfect vineyards, and national parks and forests along the way. Stop in Portland for some funky shopping or head toward the coast to sample cheese and small-town charm in Tillamook, Oregon . Further south, stop at the underrated Pinnacles National Park , shaped by a series of volcanic eruptions millions of years ago, resulting in breathtaking spires and deep canyons. Beartooth Highway, Montana Weather permitting, this stretch of US 212, connecting Red Lodge, Montana, with Yellowstone National Park, is generally open from around Memorial Day weekend through mid-October. Often dubbed the “Highway to the Sky” and “The Most Beautiful Roadway in America,” the road features steep switchbacks and expansive mountain views. Stop at the Vista Point Observation Site for a breathtaking overlook of the area, or set up overnight at one of the many campgrounds along the route.

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Mexico - The Caribbean - Canada - Central & South America - Asia - Australia & South Pacific - Africa - Middle East - [See All Destinations](https://www.travelandleisure.com/destinations-7511109) ### TOP USA DESTINATIONS ### States - [New York](https://www.travelandleisure.com/new-york-travel-8552243) - [North Carolina](https://www.travelandleisure.com/north-carolina-travel-8552247) - [South Carolina](https://www.travelandleisure.com/south-carolina-travel-8552261) - [Nevada](https://www.travelandleisure.com/nevada-travel-8552237) - [Tennessee](https://www.travelandleisure.com/tennessee-travel-8552263) - [Colorado](https://www.travelandleisure.com/colorado-travel-8552223) - [Hawaii](https://www.travelandleisure.com/hawaii-travel-8552226) - [Georgia](https://www.travelandleisure.com/georgia-travel-8552225) - [Texas](https://www.travelandleisure.com/texas-travel-8552264) - [Maine](https://www.travelandleisure.com/maine-travel-8552232) ### Cities - [Palm 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Travel](https://www.travelandleisure.com/middle-east-travel-8650573) [![DOTY banner HP 2x1]() ![DOTY banner HP 2x1](https://www.travelandleisure.com/thmb/E1togkW9qOLiGR0atJCmGLbFLb0=/544x0/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/TAL-home-page-carousel-2x1-doty-brazil-DOTYBRAZIL1-dbf25ca5b974490b94d0d67826de8e78.jpg) Destination of the Year 2026: Brazil](https://www.travelandleisure.com/brazil-destination-of-the-year-2026-11824614) [World's Best Awards](https://www.travelandleisure.com/worlds-best-awards-2025-11744233) - [Hotels + Spas](https://www.travelandleisure.com/worlds-best-awards-2025-hotels-spas-11747779) - [Cities](https://www.travelandleisure.com/worlds-best-awards-2025-cities-11748119) - [Transportation](https://www.travelandleisure.com/worlds-best-awards-2025-transportation-11748144) - [Tours + Parks](https://www.travelandleisure.com/worlds-best-awards-2025-tours-parks-11748138) - [Cruises](https://www.travelandleisure.com/worlds-best-awards-2025-cruises-11748130) - 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Guidelines](https://www.travelandleisure.com/editorial-policy-5324394) - [Meet Our Team](https://www.travelandleisure.com/about-us-5324386) [Subscribe](https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/road-trips/americas-most-scenic-roads) # 23 Best Road Trips in the U.S. From Hawaii to the Florida Keys, these are 23 of the best road trips in the U.S. By [Sarah Rose](https://www.travelandleisure.com/author/sarah-rose) [Sarah Rose](https://www.travelandleisure.com/author/sarah-rose) Sarah Rose is a journalist and the author of two best-selling novels. She was a news columnist at *The Wall Street Journal* and her features have appeared in *Outside*, *The Washington Post*, *Travel + Leisure*, *Bon Appétit*, and more. [Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines](https://www.travelandleisure.com/about-us-5324386#toc-editorial-policy) Updated on July 6, 2025 Close ![View of a scenic coastline through a car windshield with a person holding the steering wheel](https://www.travelandleisure.com/thmb/4yBKhKdEWIZMbkVDwoQK2Jly5hs=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/TAL-lead-image-USRDTRIPS0326-6d69917997784203bdf3dccf860baccd.jpg) ![View of a scenic coastline through a car windshield with a person holding the steering wheel](https://www.travelandleisure.com/thmb/4yBKhKdEWIZMbkVDwoQK2Jly5hs=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/TAL-lead-image-USRDTRIPS0326-6d69917997784203bdf3dccf860baccd.jpg) Credit: Melissa Cherry/Travel + Leisure From the dramatic California coast to the history-lined thoroughfares of New England, the United States is brimming with scenic drives. There's no shortage of stunning views along the way, like on the 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway, for example, which meanders past limestone caverns, clear mountain springs, and Appalachian majesty; or on the popular Going-to-the-Sun Road in Montana's Glacier National Park, which winds past snow-covered peaks. Sometimes it's not just nature, but also human-made sights that make a trip, like marveling at Chicago's impressive skyline, which is viewable from the city's Lake Shore Drive; or hanging out at local beach bars serving up margaritas and blaring Jimmy Buffet hits along U.S. 1 from Key Largo to Key West. These are the best road trips around the U.S. ## Hana Highway, Maui, Hawaii ![View of scenic coastline from the Hana Highway in Maui]() ![View of scenic coastline from the Hana Highway in Maui](https://www.travelandleisure.com/thmb/UdXlFE97Dfth6wzfI1ngbLpYAXs=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/201103-w-roads-hana-highway-new-816e10c5329549d18052b995b100076c.jpg) Royce Bair/Alamy The T-shirts all say: "I survived the [road to Hana](https://www.travelandleisure.com/guide-to-driving-the-road-to-hana-7497891)." And the reason is clear as soon as you set out. It can take anywhere from two to four hours to travel the 52 miles from Kahului to Hana, as you snake past steep sea cliffs and narrow one-lane bridges, ideally stopping to buy banana bread from roadside markets and [take in the stunning vistas at every turn](https://www.travelandleisure.com/maui-hawaii-road-to-hana-roadtrip-usa-11750465). In the tiny town of Hana, on the eastern shore of Maui, stands a secluded [red-sand beach](https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/beach-vacations/worlds-red-sand-beaches) (known for its clothing-optional vibes). Just beyond, about 30 minutes from town, are the must-visit multi-tiered Pools of Oheo, which gently cascade in [Haleakala National Park](https://www.nps.gov/hale/index.htm). [Maui travel guide](https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-guide/maui) ## Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina and Virginia ![Fall foliage along the Blue Ridge Parkway]() ![Fall foliage along the Blue Ridge Parkway](https://www.travelandleisure.com/thmb/6cd5cmnXQucSiJ9JThNSR_EaIhg=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/201103-w-roads-blue-ridge-mnts-2000-6a47e9439eae4ba69253576135c62f0e.jpg) Andre Jenny/Alamy This [scenic drive](https://www.travelandleisure.com/most-peaceful-place-in-north-carolina-blue-ridge-parkway-8417187) weaves across 469 miles, connecting [Shenandoah National Park](https://www.travelandleisure.com/shenandoah-national-park-virginia-best-wildflower-blooms-11887500) in Virginia with the [Great Smoky Mountains National Park](https://www.travelandleisure.com/guide-to-great-smoky-mountains-national-park-8557055). The twisting blacktop was built for travelers seeking Appalachian overlooks and a panoramic drive for all seasons, with undulating slopes of color in the fall and a bounty of forest canopy in summer. In the mines of the mineral-rich Appalachian Mountains, visitors can even pan for gold and gemstones. The parkway is a paradise for nature lovers, boasting over 150 species of birds and a diverse array of flora. [How to Plan the Perfect Trip to the Appalachian Mountains](https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/best-things-to-do-in-the-appalachian-mountains) ## Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois ![Aerial view of Lake Shore Drive]() ![Aerial view of Lake Shore Drive](https://www.travelandleisure.com/thmb/zrwP2Ze3CaPunh2q4qVTVi19iPo=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/TAL-chicago-lake-shore-drive-USRDTRIPS0225-59c3bdacfce24661bb5a77a6386a30ab.jpg) Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure The rock stars of American architecture line up like soldiers facing Lake Michigan along this urban drive. [Chicago's](https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-guide/chicago) buildings are decidedly showstopping, from the Willis Tower dominating the skyline (formerly known as the Sears Tower and once the tallest building in the world) to the late-nineteenth-century marvel The Rookery with its Frank Lloyd Wright-designed lobby, the stark boxes of Mies van der Rohe, and more. Lake Shore Drive runs the length of Chicago from North to South, but you'll want to break up the journey with a stop at Millennium Park to see the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture (otherwise known as "The Bean"), lounge on one of the city's lakeside beaches in the summer, or pay a visit to The Art Institute of Chicago, which features its own architecture and design collection. ## 17-Mile Drive, California ![View along the 17-Mile Drive on the Pacific Coast Highway]() ![View along the 17-Mile Drive on the Pacific Coast Highway](https://www.travelandleisure.com/thmb/HYgYauOkxeb3SkAk5xwkZbT_zU8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/17-mile-drive-f7b48752ed4544e98511b359f8c3e941.jpg) Getty Images The so-called 17-Mile Drive loops around California's stunning Monterey Peninsula. Stretching from the town of Pacific Grove to just above [Carmel-by-the-Sea](https://www.travelandleisure.com/carmel-by-the-sea-california-town-6735807), the road (privately owned by Pebble Beach) skirts the Pacific coast and runs past seven championship golf courses. In addition to surf-beaten cliffs, colonies of harbor seals, and lookout points galore, the route offers spectacular sunset views that make it worth the \$12.25 entry fee to drive it (the fee is reimbursed with a \$35 or more purchase at a Pebble Beach Resorts restaurant). Not too far off the 17-Mile Drive, the [Monterey Bay Aquarium](https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/) has ocean-view decks and a million-gallon tank with giant sharks and sea turtles. [20 'Secret' Spots Along California's Pacific Coast Highway](https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/road-trips/california-pacific-coast-highway-road-trip-secret-stops) ## U.S. 1, Florida Keys, Florida ![Aerial view of Highway 1 in Florida Keys]() ![Aerial view of Highway 1 in Florida Keys](https://www.travelandleisure.com/thmb/4DndeSKdPFpA9FM1j9Cd6b_sJH0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/201103-w-roads-florida-keys-2000-4cc5a105327d4151bade60ce6f20778f.jpg) M. Timothy O'Keefe/Alamy Leaving the mainland for the [Florida Keys](https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-guide/florida-keys), travelers enter a paradise of beach bars and water sports. From Key Largo to [Key West](https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-hotels-in-key-west-8629263), the [Overseas Highway](https://www.travelandleisure.com/overseas-highway-florida-road-trip-11880932) strings the islands together like beads, running past lighthouses, underwater coral reef parks, and across the postcard-worthy Seven Mile Bridge. On the docks in Islamorada, travelers can hand-feed tarpon that are more than six feet long. Further down, on Big Pine Key, you can spot some of the island chain's most well-known residents at the [National Key Deer Refuge](https://www.fws.gov/refuge/national-key-deer). ## Route 12, Utah ![Bryce Canyon]() ![Bryce Canyon](https://www.travelandleisure.com/thmb/cPW_1IdSoc34gbxGiqAU8m8G9f0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/TAL-bryce-canyon-USSCENERDTRIPS0524-a34388596f9a4fc19fede9b7d7e1cae7.jpg) Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure The red rock majesty of Utah is on triumphant display on State Route 12, winding between [Capitol Reef](https://www.nps.gov/care/index.htm) and [Bryce Canyon](https://www.nps.gov/brca/index.htm) national parks. The 122-mile strip features funky small towns, steep sandstone canyons, and a narrow, cliff-hugging road known as the "Hogsback." Stop in at Escalante's artsy [Kiva Koffeehouse](https://www.kivakoffeehouse.com/) to get your caffeine fix, open Wednesdays to Sundays from April through October, and admire the stunning view of [Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument](https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/utah/grand-staircase-escalante-national-monument). ## Bluebonnet Trail, Texas ![Highway through the bluebonnet fields in Texas]() ![Highway through the bluebonnet fields in Texas](https://www.travelandleisure.com/thmb/0TeSp5xlSL-tPotH7qMJW9BP8PQ=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/bluebonnet-trail-55b0f96fc77d40cea65c9c875c4387cd.jpg) Getty Images Bluebonnets are spiky blue wildflowers found in the Southwestern U.S. They're especially abundant in Texas in March and April (where they're the official state flower). Start this road trip in Austin, home of the [Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center](https://www.wildflower.org/), named for the first lady who made national beautification a priority, before embarking on an eastward journey via U.S. Route 290. In addition to seeing them on the side of the road, you'll also get to admire them in full force in Brenham, the halfway point to Houston. Visit [Brenham's tourism website](https://visitbrenhamtexas.com/things/wildflower-watch/) for up-to-date information on where to find the best bluebonnet patches (behind a Burger King, for example), then make your way to Houston to see them blooming at Buffalo Bayou Park. [5 Best Texas Road Trips to See Stunning Wildflowers](https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/road-trips/texas-road-trips-to-see-wildflowers) ## North Shore Scenic Drive, Minnesota ![Tunnel along North Shore Drive in Minnesota]() ![Tunnel along North Shore Drive in Minnesota](https://www.travelandleisure.com/thmb/sJDwRUHpmD6fNcTeHPyzTeSlmJs=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/north-shore-drive-1c01bb249dd843a4a0629a3d137c70c4.jpg) Getty Images Minnesota's Lake Superior shoreline is a thing of beauty. In [Duluth](https://www.travelandleisure.com/duluth-zephyr-train-lake-superior-historic-dome-car-8642494), a walking path along the lake's edge showcases the city's highlights, including a rose garden and an aerial bridge. Nearby, you can get a look at ocean tankers anchored in the last inland port of the St. Lawrence Seaway as they wait to load iron or grain from America's heartland before sending it out. From Duluth, drive toward Two Harbors, only about 30 minutes away, and admire the lake's shining waters stretching out. At your destination, you'll find the [Split Rock Lighthouse](https://www.mnhs.org/splitrock), now a museum, overlooking Lake Superior's rugged coast. ## Trail Ridge Road, Colorado ![Winding Trail Ridge Road with Colorado Rockies in background]() ![Winding Trail Ridge Road with Colorado Rockies in background](https://www.travelandleisure.com/thmb/zyTEqnQ4rC37DHimskfAsiCJdQk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/trail-ridge-road-46e58f6e9f7948049b5bb9ae2c2102a7.jpg) Getty Images Welcome to the highest paved through-road in the U.S., Trail Ridge Road, which passes through Rocky Mountain National Park and climbs as high as 12,183 feet. Crossing over the Continental Divide (following a similar route Native Americans once took), visitors might see elk, deer, and bighorn sheep above the tree line in the dramatic tundra. After about two to three hours of driving, you'll hit Grand Lake, Colorado's largest natural lake, which is also home to a historic town and lake sports. Note, however, that Trail Ridge Road is *not* a year-round route and can only be driven in good conditions, typically from about the end of May to the fall. ## Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire ![Fall foliage along the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire]() ![Fall foliage along the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire](https://www.travelandleisure.com/thmb/zap1N_stusmw7xMfZpDkqkIvjzg=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/kancamagus-highway-0104aa793ad04bee84e66d77ec34a7b4.jpg) Getty Images Though the White Mountains are a year-round paradise, the autumnal colors are an undisputed highlight of New Hampshire's 34.5-mile [Kancamagus Highway](https://www.travelandleisure.com/kancamagus-highway-fall-foliage-new-hampshire-11803554). Serious leaf-peepers visit in September and October to see the trees blazing in full technicolor glory, while spring brings gorgeous flowers. This route starts in Lincoln and ends in Conway (or vice versa), and you'll want to factor in plenty of time to pull over and explore the White Mountains on foot. One highlight is the about half-mile hike to Sabbaday Falls, a multi-tiered waterfall easily accessed from the road. ## Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana ![Going to the Sun Road scenic mountain highway, MT]() ![Going to the Sun Road scenic mountain highway, MT](https://www.travelandleisure.com/thmb/Ihgf_QwTFXv6jZjmvo2AZ5_YZGk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/going-to-the-sun-road-14d9a7a0e850405b998d38d151c0026e.jpg) Getty Images One of America's most breathtaking drives runs along the spine of the Rockies, past [Glacier National Park's](https://www.travelandleisure.com/guide-to-glacier-national-park-8699033) snow-capped peaks and lakes, across the Continental Divide. The full 50-mile stretch takes about two hours to drive. The [Going-to-the-Sun Road](https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/gtsrinfo.htm) is only fully open in the summer when conditions allow (typically starting around late June), and [vehicle reservations](https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10087086/ticket/10087087) are required during peak months. Supplement your road trip with a day tour at the [Glacier Institute](https://glacierinstitute.org/) to learn more about the geology, wildlife, and history of the area. ## Highway 101, Oregon ![Highway 101 along the Oregon coast]() ![Highway 101 along the Oregon coast](https://www.travelandleisure.com/thmb/voA39LzhhSdxS3OtZQl5Z4Jqh6I=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/highway-101-716d261ae2f24abbbe6c5040a710e7cb.jpg) Getty Images Oregon's portion of the Pacific shoreline is entirely owned by the state and, therefore, open to the public. The more than 360 miles of coast off Highway 101 provide road trippers with perfectly preserved and unobstructed natural vistas. Between Port Orford and Brookings, about an hour's drive away, fierce sea cliffs stand in stark contrast to the pastoral farmland of [Oregon's small towns](https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/best-small-towns-in-oregon). Pull over when you spot the roadside Tyrannosaurus rex at the [Prehistoric Gardens](https://www.prehistoricgardens.com/), where 23 life-size dinosaur replicas are staged against the rainforest landscape. ## Olympic Peninsula Loop, Washington ![aerial of Olympic Peninsula Loop mountain highway, WA]() ![aerial of Olympic Peninsula Loop mountain highway, WA](https://www.travelandleisure.com/thmb/C-D1LZoMghLgvRkTTTUQOV4BQoI=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/olympic-peninsula-loop-a54e7957509c4a2890ad884d5cbe85dc.jpg) Getty Images Highway 101, both the scenic route and the peninsula's only major route, loops around one of the largest wilderness areas in the continental U.S. Climb into the [Hoh Rain Forest](https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/visiting-the-hoh.htm), dominated by ancient Sitka spruce and western hemlock. Enjoy endless views from the top of Hurricane Ridge, about 18 miles off the loop from Port Angeles. At low tide, the pools on Olympic beaches are rife with starfish and crabs. The whole loop takes about six hours without stops. ## Route 6, Massachusetts ![Route 6 along the coast in Cape Cod, MA]() ![Route 6 along the coast in Cape Cod, MA](https://www.travelandleisure.com/thmb/EjcZUokYnqKo5xrVHFl3h3EN2qQ=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/route-6-3ccfe4db0c60417c8e7fad48d5cb4ad9.jpg) Getty Images The easternmost portion of Route 6—which actually runs all the way to Bishop, California—links together [Cape Cod's](https://www.travelandleisure.com/attractions/things-to-do-in-cape-cod) network of sand dunes, beaches, and quaint fishing towns. You can follow it to [Provincetown's](https://www.travelandleisure.com/2024-gay-travel-index-safest-destinations-lgbtqia-travelers-8644788) music festivals and art galleries, to the bay side for family-friendly beaches, or oceanside for panoramas of the [Cape Cod National Seashore](https://www.nps.gov/caco/index.htm). Our advice? Book a whale-watching boat tour between mid-April and October to catch a glimpse of a big-winged New Englander (aka a humpback whale). ## Anchorage to Valdez, Alaska ![road to Anchorage to Valdez along snow-capped mountains, AK]() ![road to Anchorage to Valdez along snow-capped mountains, AK](https://www.travelandleisure.com/thmb/1gBZ160_GGheQiJNo2h2JE9jduI=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/201103-w-roads-alaska-2000-4c3a69b8285e40498a87336f3690dbd0.jpg) Alan Majchrowicz / Alamy The trip from Anchorage to Valdez, which connects the Glenn and Richardson highways, runs past prehistoric glaciers and into mountain ranges with seemingly endless peaks. Along the 300-mile route in Palmer, gaze at domesticated musk oxen, the Ice Age wonders of the Alaskan landscape, prized for their wool. Further along, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline pops in and out of view. The final approach to Valdez involves a 30-mile descent from Thompson Pass (2,678 feet of elevation) to sea level, passing through the waterfalls of Keystone Canyon and opening into Prince William Sound. ## Lemhi Pass, Montana and Idaho ![Lemhi Pass]() ![Lemhi Pass](https://www.travelandleisure.com/thmb/9cDyiori7SXi2GOhK_dxXcbLyEw=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/lemhi-pass-99cae63b69354ef28e7066300002767d.jpg) Getty Images Meriwether Lewis (of Lewis and Clark fame) crossed the Rocky Mountain backbone of North America, the Continental Divide, at Lemhi Pass in 1805. Now, determined visitors with a four-wheel drive can take in the historic view on Forest Service roads from either the [Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest](https://www.fs.usda.gov/bdnf) in Montana or the [Salmon-Challis National Forest](https://www.fs.usda.gov/scnf) in Idaho. For the full experience, go in the summer during the annual Lewis and Clark Festival in Great Falls, Montana, about three hours from the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. ## Silverado Trail, California ![Silverado Trail highway through vineyards, CA]() ![Silverado Trail highway through vineyards, CA](https://www.travelandleisure.com/thmb/knU5Vijl_-_abzxXd7o4QVx8xjc=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/silverado-trail-16953e193dac40f8a2e26fb694be7429.jpg) Getty Images Here's a road trip where the food rivals the scenery. Flanked by vineyards and wineries, [Napa Valley's](https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-guide/napa-valley) Silverado Trail gives California road trippers endless vino options and perhaps some of the tastiest meals on the American culinary scene. Non-drivers must try the Estate Collection tasting at [Stag's Leap Wine Cellars](https://www.stagsleapwinecellars.com/), where a 1973 cabernet made headlines for beating French wines in a blind taste test. And for foodies, the three-Michelin star [French Laundry](https://www.thomaskeller.com/tfl) restaurant in Yountville is a highlight. ## Ocean Drive, Newport, Rhode Island ![mansions along Ocean Drive in Newport, RI]() ![mansions along Ocean Drive in Newport, RI](https://www.travelandleisure.com/thmb/VV2iv2Jk9J16pCpbFDmcmJv9CGM=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/ocean-drive-5465ae6f4c33451da055ebd2cee127e7.jpg) Getty Images This 10-mile coastal [Rhode Island](https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-guide/rhode-island) route packs in historic mansions and spectacular views over the water. The Gilded Age "cottages" of Ocean Drive—which confusingly follows Ocean *Avenue*, not Drive—compete with maritime scenery for jaw-dropping splendor, including opulent homes built for titans of *fin de siècle* industry. War buffs will definitely want to visit historic Fort Adams, which was built in the 19th century and was active on and off for about 150 years. ## Park Loop Road, Acadia National Park, Maine ![Park Loop Road coastal highway, Maine]() ![Park Loop Road coastal highway, Maine](https://www.travelandleisure.com/thmb/lHO0KIKLMlIVtmpQkLT_5KRrw-w=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/park-loop-road-maine-1851eee88779489ba24ac37b245c19cd.jpg) Getty Images The loop through [Acadia National Park](https://www.travelandleisure.com/acadia-national-park-guide-8604732) can be completed in an hour when summer tourists aren't clogging the 27-mile, two-lane artery. But whatever the season, you'll want to give yourself time to appreciate the dense trees and rugged coast of the North Atlantic along the way. An oceanside inlet dubbed Thunder Hole explodes with a plume of foamy surf as waves beat the shore. If you've got time to spare, spend some time on a lobster fishing boat, then take your catch home for supper. ## Highway 143, Tennessee ![spring flowers on scenic mountain, Tennessee]() ![spring flowers on scenic mountain, Tennessee](https://www.travelandleisure.com/thmb/nMC6w6N1O2n8LkphpupKplZfO98=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/highway-143-a9b315945c764bd8b8b464ef9e479e3c.jpg) Getty Images Set out along Tennessee's 12.5-mile Highway 143 in the Roan Highlands of the Appalachian Mountains to witness uninterrupted slopes cloaked in purple blossoms. The highlands portion of the Appalachian Trail is famous for its "balds" (summits covered in grasses rather than trees). Stop to admire them on foot with a walk at Carvers Gap, just across the North Carolina border. ## Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, Michigan ![Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive along sand dunes, Michigan]() ![Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive along sand dunes, Michigan](https://www.travelandleisure.com/thmb/SlJHGVTeoVoi6BDiHZ7smEjQDxE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/pierce-stocking-dbdb6b844f51414083606716aa740545.jpg) Getty Images Only 7.4 miles long, this short and sweet drive along Lake Michigan's eastern shore shows off the majesty of the giant [Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore](https://www.nps.gov/slbe/index.htm), dense forest canopies, and an impressive lake. The trip would take you less than 30 minutes were it not for the lookout points over the lake and dunes to distract you. Before closing the loop, you'll cross a covered bridge reconstructed from one Pierce Stocking himself built in the 1960s. To extend the trip slightly, head five minutes up South Dune Highway to catch the view of Glen Lake after hiking to the top of the "[Dune Climb](https://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/dune_climb.htm)." ## The High Road to Taos, New Mexico ![A narrow canyon with a river flowing through and a bridge visible in the distance under a partially cloudy sky]() ![A narrow canyon with a river flowing through and a bridge visible in the distance under a partially cloudy sky](https://www.travelandleisure.com/thmb/Ups7CID7QI-pEaAqgqqxGbDA5Xk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/TAL-taos-USRDTRIPS0725-d2111800805448d0951e604cd37e0e15.jpg) Mary Robnett/Travel + Leisure The scenic route between [Santa Fe](https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/things-to-do-in-santa-fe-new-mexico) and Taos offers one photo opportunity after another, from ancient pueblos to forests and artists' studios. The High Road to Taos Scenic Byway passes by Chimayo, a haven for art and history. Whichever direction you choose to drive it, the High Road is bookended by two towns bursting with color and personality. If you're in town during a sweltering summer, don't miss attending a concert at the [Santa Fe Opera](https://www.santafeopera.org/). ## Highway 2, Nebraska ![scenic winding Highway 2, Nebraska]() ![scenic winding Highway 2, Nebraska](https://www.travelandleisure.com/thmb/bi83qE14tnQM1RtoHdCXNn9Q-M0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/201104-w-roads-sandhills-2000-6b5d73cb9e9649c9927838c2b5e30afd.jpg) Ryan K. McGinnis/Alamy Sandhills (grass-covered sand dunes) are synonymous with Nebraska, resulting in slow, hypnotic curves as far as the eye can see. Drive any stretch of Highway 2 for expansive views of the Great Plains and pastureland. Spend time looking out for cranes at the [Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center](https://www.cranetrust.org/) just off Highway 2 in Wood River, or stop in one of the adorable small towns along the way for a taste of local life. ## Pacific Coast Paradise route, California to Washington Stretching for more than 1,000 miles, [this route](https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-hidden-gem-usa-road-trips-11838445) connects Seattle to Santa Barbara, snaking past major cities, picture-perfect vineyards, and national parks and forests along the way. Stop in [Portland](https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-guide/portland-oregon) for some funky shopping or head toward the coast to sample cheese and small-town charm in [Tillamook, Oregon](https://www.travelandleisure.com/tillamook-oregon-best-cheddar-cheese-8772245). Further south, stop at the underrated [Pinnacles National Park](https://www.travelandleisure.com/california-native-believes-pinnacle-national-park-most-underrated-8660119), shaped by a series of volcanic eruptions millions of years ago, resulting in breathtaking spires and deep canyons. ## Beartooth Highway, Montana Weather permitting, [this stretch of US 212,](https://www.travelandleisure.com/beartooth-highway-most-beautiful-roadway-in-america-11794196) connecting Red Lodge, Montana, with [Yellowstone National Park,](https://www.travelandleisure.com/guide-to-yellowstone-national-park-8636396) is generally open from around Memorial Day weekend through mid-October. Often dubbed the “Highway to the Sky” and “The Most Beautiful Roadway in America,” the road features steep switchbacks and expansive mountain views. Stop at the Vista Point Observation Site for a breathtaking overlook of the area, or set up overnight at one of the many [campgrounds](https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/custergallatin/recarea/?recid=81370) along the route. Read More: - [Trip Ideas](https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas) - [Road Trips](https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/road-trips) ## Related Articles [![Pacific Coast Highway]() ![Pacific Coast Highway](https://www.travelandleisure.com/thmb/0S8J9c2zX1-Gw_vNXSoM_pQ6DHE=/282x188/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/pacific-coast-highway-big-sur-FAMRDTRIP0718-badcbae9b81f47498e32f254c034af92.jpg) 14 of the Best U.S. Road Trips for Families](https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/family-vacations/family-road-trip-ideas) [![Driving along Colorado's Million Dollar Highway]() ![Driving along Colorado's Million Dollar Highway](https://www.travelandleisure.com/thmb/qbLP3TTIj0ZeqhON05x7c5w_0Vc=/282x188/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/TAL-colorado-million-dollar-highway-blue-sky-WINTERDRIVES1224-db3742a1faee4558ac7db28e2b9d15ea.jpg) 13 Best Scenic Winter Road Trips in the 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Pacific coast road Highway 1 California. ](https://www.travelandleisure.com/thmb/pIC72ItqfRQ0aTDnjo-USN5dLUA=/282x188/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/TAL-viewpoint-pacific-coast-highway-california-NO1RT0824-0cef3f8952b84f02b586461f5076c7b3.jpg) This Picturesque Road Trip Is the Most-searched Route in the U.S.—and It Passes by Mountains and Beaches](https://www.travelandleisure.com/most-popular-u-s-road-trip-pch-11822259) [![Amazing mountain range, with bird flying at the Napali Coast, Kauai, Hawaii]() ![Amazing mountain range, with bird flying at the Napali Coast, Kauai, Hawaii](https://www.travelandleisure.com/thmb/_pNLdMkMP0XWMzGz7BfqFqnebcw=/282x188/filters:no_upscale:max_bytes$150000$:strip_icc/header-napali-coast-hawaii-BEAUTYSTS0522-97e6bc1a127347b58c39d563ff2c53d9.jpg) The 51 Most Beautiful Places in the U.S.](https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/most-beautiful-places-in-the-us) [![High elevation view of Dewey Lake from the Pacific Crest Trail.]() ![High 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Readable Markdown

From the dramatic California coast to the history-lined thoroughfares of New England, the United States is brimming with scenic drives. There's no shortage of stunning views along the way, like on the 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway, for example, which meanders past limestone caverns, clear mountain springs, and Appalachian majesty; or on the popular Going-to-the-Sun Road in Montana's Glacier National Park, which winds past snow-covered peaks. Sometimes it's not just nature, but also human-made sights that make a trip, like marveling at Chicago's impressive skyline, which is viewable from the city's Lake Shore Drive; or hanging out at local beach bars serving up margaritas and blaring Jimmy Buffet hits along U.S. 1 from Key Largo to Key West. These are the best road trips around the U.S. ## Hana Highway, Maui, Hawaii Royce Bair/Alamy The T-shirts all say: "I survived the [road to Hana](https://www.travelandleisure.com/guide-to-driving-the-road-to-hana-7497891)." And the reason is clear as soon as you set out. It can take anywhere from two to four hours to travel the 52 miles from Kahului to Hana, as you snake past steep sea cliffs and narrow one-lane bridges, ideally stopping to buy banana bread from roadside markets and [take in the stunning vistas at every turn](https://www.travelandleisure.com/maui-hawaii-road-to-hana-roadtrip-usa-11750465). In the tiny town of Hana, on the eastern shore of Maui, stands a secluded [red-sand beach](https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/beach-vacations/worlds-red-sand-beaches) (known for its clothing-optional vibes). Just beyond, about 30 minutes from town, are the must-visit multi-tiered Pools of Oheo, which gently cascade in [Haleakala National Park](https://www.nps.gov/hale/index.htm). ## Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina and Virginia Andre Jenny/Alamy This [scenic drive](https://www.travelandleisure.com/most-peaceful-place-in-north-carolina-blue-ridge-parkway-8417187) weaves across 469 miles, connecting [Shenandoah National Park](https://www.travelandleisure.com/shenandoah-national-park-virginia-best-wildflower-blooms-11887500) in Virginia with the [Great Smoky Mountains National Park](https://www.travelandleisure.com/guide-to-great-smoky-mountains-national-park-8557055). The twisting blacktop was built for travelers seeking Appalachian overlooks and a panoramic drive for all seasons, with undulating slopes of color in the fall and a bounty of forest canopy in summer. In the mines of the mineral-rich Appalachian Mountains, visitors can even pan for gold and gemstones. The parkway is a paradise for nature lovers, boasting over 150 species of birds and a diverse array of flora. ## Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure The rock stars of American architecture line up like soldiers facing Lake Michigan along this urban drive. [Chicago's](https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-guide/chicago) buildings are decidedly showstopping, from the Willis Tower dominating the skyline (formerly known as the Sears Tower and once the tallest building in the world) to the late-nineteenth-century marvel The Rookery with its Frank Lloyd Wright-designed lobby, the stark boxes of Mies van der Rohe, and more. Lake Shore Drive runs the length of Chicago from North to South, but you'll want to break up the journey with a stop at Millennium Park to see the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture (otherwise known as "The Bean"), lounge on one of the city's lakeside beaches in the summer, or pay a visit to The Art Institute of Chicago, which features its own architecture and design collection. ## 17-Mile Drive, California Getty Images The so-called 17-Mile Drive loops around California's stunning Monterey Peninsula. Stretching from the town of Pacific Grove to just above [Carmel-by-the-Sea](https://www.travelandleisure.com/carmel-by-the-sea-california-town-6735807), the road (privately owned by Pebble Beach) skirts the Pacific coast and runs past seven championship golf courses. In addition to surf-beaten cliffs, colonies of harbor seals, and lookout points galore, the route offers spectacular sunset views that make it worth the \$12.25 entry fee to drive it (the fee is reimbursed with a \$35 or more purchase at a Pebble Beach Resorts restaurant). Not too far off the 17-Mile Drive, the [Monterey Bay Aquarium](https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/) has ocean-view decks and a million-gallon tank with giant sharks and sea turtles. ## U.S. 1, Florida Keys, Florida M. Timothy O'Keefe/Alamy Leaving the mainland for the [Florida Keys](https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-guide/florida-keys), travelers enter a paradise of beach bars and water sports. From Key Largo to [Key West](https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-hotels-in-key-west-8629263), the [Overseas Highway](https://www.travelandleisure.com/overseas-highway-florida-road-trip-11880932) strings the islands together like beads, running past lighthouses, underwater coral reef parks, and across the postcard-worthy Seven Mile Bridge. On the docks in Islamorada, travelers can hand-feed tarpon that are more than six feet long. Further down, on Big Pine Key, you can spot some of the island chain's most well-known residents at the [National Key Deer Refuge](https://www.fws.gov/refuge/national-key-deer). ## Route 12, Utah Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure The red rock majesty of Utah is on triumphant display on State Route 12, winding between [Capitol Reef](https://www.nps.gov/care/index.htm) and [Bryce Canyon](https://www.nps.gov/brca/index.htm) national parks. The 122-mile strip features funky small towns, steep sandstone canyons, and a narrow, cliff-hugging road known as the "Hogsback." Stop in at Escalante's artsy [Kiva Koffeehouse](https://www.kivakoffeehouse.com/) to get your caffeine fix, open Wednesdays to Sundays from April through October, and admire the stunning view of [Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument](https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/utah/grand-staircase-escalante-national-monument). ## Bluebonnet Trail, Texas Getty Images Bluebonnets are spiky blue wildflowers found in the Southwestern U.S. They're especially abundant in Texas in March and April (where they're the official state flower). Start this road trip in Austin, home of the [Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center](https://www.wildflower.org/), named for the first lady who made national beautification a priority, before embarking on an eastward journey via U.S. Route 290. In addition to seeing them on the side of the road, you'll also get to admire them in full force in Brenham, the halfway point to Houston. Visit [Brenham's tourism website](https://visitbrenhamtexas.com/things/wildflower-watch/) for up-to-date information on where to find the best bluebonnet patches (behind a Burger King, for example), then make your way to Houston to see them blooming at Buffalo Bayou Park. ## North Shore Scenic Drive, Minnesota Getty Images Minnesota's Lake Superior shoreline is a thing of beauty. In [Duluth](https://www.travelandleisure.com/duluth-zephyr-train-lake-superior-historic-dome-car-8642494), a walking path along the lake's edge showcases the city's highlights, including a rose garden and an aerial bridge. Nearby, you can get a look at ocean tankers anchored in the last inland port of the St. Lawrence Seaway as they wait to load iron or grain from America's heartland before sending it out. From Duluth, drive toward Two Harbors, only about 30 minutes away, and admire the lake's shining waters stretching out. At your destination, you'll find the [Split Rock Lighthouse](https://www.mnhs.org/splitrock), now a museum, overlooking Lake Superior's rugged coast. ## Trail Ridge Road, Colorado Getty Images Welcome to the highest paved through-road in the U.S., Trail Ridge Road, which passes through Rocky Mountain National Park and climbs as high as 12,183 feet. Crossing over the Continental Divide (following a similar route Native Americans once took), visitors might see elk, deer, and bighorn sheep above the tree line in the dramatic tundra. After about two to three hours of driving, you'll hit Grand Lake, Colorado's largest natural lake, which is also home to a historic town and lake sports. Note, however, that Trail Ridge Road is *not* a year-round route and can only be driven in good conditions, typically from about the end of May to the fall. ## Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire Getty Images Though the White Mountains are a year-round paradise, the autumnal colors are an undisputed highlight of New Hampshire's 34.5-mile [Kancamagus Highway](https://www.travelandleisure.com/kancamagus-highway-fall-foliage-new-hampshire-11803554). Serious leaf-peepers visit in September and October to see the trees blazing in full technicolor glory, while spring brings gorgeous flowers. This route starts in Lincoln and ends in Conway (or vice versa), and you'll want to factor in plenty of time to pull over and explore the White Mountains on foot. One highlight is the about half-mile hike to Sabbaday Falls, a multi-tiered waterfall easily accessed from the road. ## Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana Getty Images One of America's most breathtaking drives runs along the spine of the Rockies, past [Glacier National Park's](https://www.travelandleisure.com/guide-to-glacier-national-park-8699033) snow-capped peaks and lakes, across the Continental Divide. The full 50-mile stretch takes about two hours to drive. The [Going-to-the-Sun Road](https://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/gtsrinfo.htm) is only fully open in the summer when conditions allow (typically starting around late June), and [vehicle reservations](https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10087086/ticket/10087087) are required during peak months. Supplement your road trip with a day tour at the [Glacier Institute](https://glacierinstitute.org/) to learn more about the geology, wildlife, and history of the area. ## Highway 101, Oregon Getty Images Oregon's portion of the Pacific shoreline is entirely owned by the state and, therefore, open to the public. The more than 360 miles of coast off Highway 101 provide road trippers with perfectly preserved and unobstructed natural vistas. Between Port Orford and Brookings, about an hour's drive away, fierce sea cliffs stand in stark contrast to the pastoral farmland of [Oregon's small towns](https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/best-small-towns-in-oregon). Pull over when you spot the roadside Tyrannosaurus rex at the [Prehistoric Gardens](https://www.prehistoricgardens.com/), where 23 life-size dinosaur replicas are staged against the rainforest landscape. ## Olympic Peninsula Loop, Washington Getty Images Highway 101, both the scenic route and the peninsula's only major route, loops around one of the largest wilderness areas in the continental U.S. Climb into the [Hoh Rain Forest](https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/visiting-the-hoh.htm), dominated by ancient Sitka spruce and western hemlock. Enjoy endless views from the top of Hurricane Ridge, about 18 miles off the loop from Port Angeles. At low tide, the pools on Olympic beaches are rife with starfish and crabs. The whole loop takes about six hours without stops. ## Route 6, Massachusetts Getty Images The easternmost portion of Route 6—which actually runs all the way to Bishop, California—links together [Cape Cod's](https://www.travelandleisure.com/attractions/things-to-do-in-cape-cod) network of sand dunes, beaches, and quaint fishing towns. You can follow it to [Provincetown's](https://www.travelandleisure.com/2024-gay-travel-index-safest-destinations-lgbtqia-travelers-8644788) music festivals and art galleries, to the bay side for family-friendly beaches, or oceanside for panoramas of the [Cape Cod National Seashore](https://www.nps.gov/caco/index.htm). Our advice? Book a whale-watching boat tour between mid-April and October to catch a glimpse of a big-winged New Englander (aka a humpback whale). ## Anchorage to Valdez, Alaska Alan Majchrowicz / Alamy The trip from Anchorage to Valdez, which connects the Glenn and Richardson highways, runs past prehistoric glaciers and into mountain ranges with seemingly endless peaks. Along the 300-mile route in Palmer, gaze at domesticated musk oxen, the Ice Age wonders of the Alaskan landscape, prized for their wool. Further along, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline pops in and out of view. The final approach to Valdez involves a 30-mile descent from Thompson Pass (2,678 feet of elevation) to sea level, passing through the waterfalls of Keystone Canyon and opening into Prince William Sound. ## Lemhi Pass, Montana and Idaho Getty Images Meriwether Lewis (of Lewis and Clark fame) crossed the Rocky Mountain backbone of North America, the Continental Divide, at Lemhi Pass in 1805. Now, determined visitors with a four-wheel drive can take in the historic view on Forest Service roads from either the [Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest](https://www.fs.usda.gov/bdnf) in Montana or the [Salmon-Challis National Forest](https://www.fs.usda.gov/scnf) in Idaho. For the full experience, go in the summer during the annual Lewis and Clark Festival in Great Falls, Montana, about three hours from the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. ## Silverado Trail, California Getty Images Here's a road trip where the food rivals the scenery. Flanked by vineyards and wineries, [Napa Valley's](https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-guide/napa-valley) Silverado Trail gives California road trippers endless vino options and perhaps some of the tastiest meals on the American culinary scene. Non-drivers must try the Estate Collection tasting at [Stag's Leap Wine Cellars](https://www.stagsleapwinecellars.com/), where a 1973 cabernet made headlines for beating French wines in a blind taste test. And for foodies, the three-Michelin star [French Laundry](https://www.thomaskeller.com/tfl) restaurant in Yountville is a highlight. ## Ocean Drive, Newport, Rhode Island Getty Images This 10-mile coastal [Rhode Island](https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-guide/rhode-island) route packs in historic mansions and spectacular views over the water. The Gilded Age "cottages" of Ocean Drive—which confusingly follows Ocean *Avenue*, not Drive—compete with maritime scenery for jaw-dropping splendor, including opulent homes built for titans of *fin de siècle* industry. War buffs will definitely want to visit historic Fort Adams, which was built in the 19th century and was active on and off for about 150 years. ## Park Loop Road, Acadia National Park, Maine Getty Images The loop through [Acadia National Park](https://www.travelandleisure.com/acadia-national-park-guide-8604732) can be completed in an hour when summer tourists aren't clogging the 27-mile, two-lane artery. But whatever the season, you'll want to give yourself time to appreciate the dense trees and rugged coast of the North Atlantic along the way. An oceanside inlet dubbed Thunder Hole explodes with a plume of foamy surf as waves beat the shore. If you've got time to spare, spend some time on a lobster fishing boat, then take your catch home for supper. ## Highway 143, Tennessee Getty Images Set out along Tennessee's 12.5-mile Highway 143 in the Roan Highlands of the Appalachian Mountains to witness uninterrupted slopes cloaked in purple blossoms. The highlands portion of the Appalachian Trail is famous for its "balds" (summits covered in grasses rather than trees). Stop to admire them on foot with a walk at Carvers Gap, just across the North Carolina border. ## Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, Michigan Getty Images Only 7.4 miles long, this short and sweet drive along Lake Michigan's eastern shore shows off the majesty of the giant [Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore](https://www.nps.gov/slbe/index.htm), dense forest canopies, and an impressive lake. The trip would take you less than 30 minutes were it not for the lookout points over the lake and dunes to distract you. Before closing the loop, you'll cross a covered bridge reconstructed from one Pierce Stocking himself built in the 1960s. To extend the trip slightly, head five minutes up South Dune Highway to catch the view of Glen Lake after hiking to the top of the "[Dune Climb](https://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/dune_climb.htm)." ## The High Road to Taos, New Mexico Mary Robnett/Travel + Leisure The scenic route between [Santa Fe](https://www.travelandleisure.com/trip-ideas/things-to-do-in-santa-fe-new-mexico) and Taos offers one photo opportunity after another, from ancient pueblos to forests and artists' studios. The High Road to Taos Scenic Byway passes by Chimayo, a haven for art and history. Whichever direction you choose to drive it, the High Road is bookended by two towns bursting with color and personality. If you're in town during a sweltering summer, don't miss attending a concert at the [Santa Fe Opera](https://www.santafeopera.org/). ## Highway 2, Nebraska Ryan K. McGinnis/Alamy Sandhills (grass-covered sand dunes) are synonymous with Nebraska, resulting in slow, hypnotic curves as far as the eye can see. Drive any stretch of Highway 2 for expansive views of the Great Plains and pastureland. Spend time looking out for cranes at the [Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center](https://www.cranetrust.org/) just off Highway 2 in Wood River, or stop in one of the adorable small towns along the way for a taste of local life. ## Pacific Coast Paradise route, California to Washington Stretching for more than 1,000 miles, [this route](https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-hidden-gem-usa-road-trips-11838445) connects Seattle to Santa Barbara, snaking past major cities, picture-perfect vineyards, and national parks and forests along the way. Stop in [Portland](https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-guide/portland-oregon) for some funky shopping or head toward the coast to sample cheese and small-town charm in [Tillamook, Oregon](https://www.travelandleisure.com/tillamook-oregon-best-cheddar-cheese-8772245). Further south, stop at the underrated [Pinnacles National Park](https://www.travelandleisure.com/california-native-believes-pinnacle-national-park-most-underrated-8660119), shaped by a series of volcanic eruptions millions of years ago, resulting in breathtaking spires and deep canyons. ## Beartooth Highway, Montana Weather permitting, [this stretch of US 212,](https://www.travelandleisure.com/beartooth-highway-most-beautiful-roadway-in-america-11794196) connecting Red Lodge, Montana, with [Yellowstone National Park,](https://www.travelandleisure.com/guide-to-yellowstone-national-park-8636396) is generally open from around Memorial Day weekend through mid-October. Often dubbed the “Highway to the Sky” and “The Most Beautiful Roadway in America,” the road features steep switchbacks and expansive mountain views. Stop at the Vista Point Observation Site for a breathtaking overlook of the area, or set up overnight at one of the many [campgrounds](https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/custergallatin/recarea/?recid=81370) along the route.

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