12 scenic road trips across North America worth planning

Stretching over 600 miles along the California coastline, Highway 1 is the gold standard of American road trips. While the entire drive is stunning, the 90-mile stretch through Big Sur is the crown jewel.

The Drive: Expect tight, winding turns carved directly into the seaside cliffs. To your west, the Pacific Ocean crashes against jagged rocks; to your east, the Santa Lucia Mountains rise sharply toward the sky.

Must-See Stops: Stop at the Bixby Creek Bridge, one of the most photographed bridges in the world, for a panoramic view of the coast. Further south, a short hike leads to McWay Falls, a rare "tidefall" that drops 80 feet from a granite cliff directly onto a pristine beach.

Insider Tip: Drive from North to South (San Francisco to L.A.) so you are in the lane closest to the ocean, making it easier to pull into the frequent scenic overlooks.

Often called "America's Favorite Drive," this 469-mile ribbon of road connects Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains. It was designed specifically for scenery, meaning you won’t find a single stoplight or commercial billboard the entire way.

The Drive: The parkway follows the ridge of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The speed limit is a leisurely 45 mph, encouraging drivers to slow down and soak in the Appalachian mist.

Must-See Stops: Visit Mabry Mill in Virginia to see a historic water-powered gristmill that looks like a painting come to life. In North Carolina, the Linn Cove Viaduct is an engineering masterpiece that "floats" around Grandfather Mountain to avoid damaging the fragile environment.

Best Time to Go: Late October is peak season, as the hardwood forests transform into a vibrant tapestry of crimson and gold.

Linking Lake Louise and Jasper, Highway 93 is widely considered the most beautiful mountain drive in the world. It cuts through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, passing through two massive National Parks.

The Drive: You are constantly flanked by hanging glaciers, massive limestone peaks, and dense pine forests. It’s common to see bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and even grizzly bears along the shoulder.

Must-See Stops: Peyto Lake is a mandatory stop; its brilliant turquoise color and unique shape resembling a wolf’s head make it an internet favorite. At the Columbia Icefield, you can board a massive "Ice Explorer" bus to walk on the Athabasca Glacier.

Preparation: There is only one gas station along the entire 144-mile route (at Saskatchewan River Crossing), so fill up before you leave Lake Louise or Jasper.

Known as the "Mother Road," Route 66 is less about the landscape and more about the soul of America. Established in 1926, it served as the primary route for those migrating west during the Dust Bowl.

The Drive: While the original highway was decommissioned in 1985, long segments remain. It’s a nostalgic trip through mid-century diners, neon-lit motels, and eccentric roadside attractions.

Must-See Stops: Don't miss Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas, where you can spray-paint half-buried cars. In Arizona, the town of Seligman served as the inspiration for the movie Cars and remains frozen in the 1950s.

The Experience: End your journey at the Santa Monica Pier in California, where a plaque officially marks the western end of the road.

Hidden within Glacier National Park, this 50-mile road is a triumph of 1930s engineering. It is the only road that crosses the park, traversing the Continental Divide at Logan Pass.

The Drive: The road is narrow and literally clings to the side of the mountains. It features "The Weeping Wall," where waterfalls splash directly onto the road from the cliffs above.

Must-See Stops: Stop at Wild Goose Island Overlook for the quintessential view of Saint Mary Lake. At the top of Logan Pass, take the Hidden Lake Overlook trail to see mountain goats grazing in alpine meadows.

Important Note: Due to extreme snowfall, the road is usually only fully open from late June to early October. It often requires a vehicle reservation during peak summer months.

Looping around the northern tip of Cape Breton Island, the Cabot Trail offers a rugged, maritime beauty that feels more like the Scottish Highlands than North America.

The Experience: The 185-mile loop weaves through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, where the mountains meet the Atlantic Ocean in a series of dramatic headlands and deep canyons.

Must-See Stops: The Skyline Trail is a world-class hike that takes you to a wooden boardwalk perched on a cliff edge, offering a bird's-eye view of the winding road below. Afterward, visit the fishing village of Pleasant Bay for a fresh lobster dinner.

This 113-mile stretch of U.S. Route 1 is unlike any other road on this list because most of it is spent suspended over the ocean. It connects mainland Florida to the westernmost tip of the Florida Keys.

The Drive: You will cross 42 bridges, including the famous Seven Mile Bridge. With the turquoise Atlantic on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other, you feel as though you are driving on water.

Must-See Stops: Visit Bahia Honda State Park for some of the best snorkeling and white sand beaches in the Keys. Make sure to stop at Robbie's of Islamorada to hand-feed massive wild tarpon from the docks.

Final Destination: The road ends in Key West, where you can take a photo at the Southernmost Point buoy, just 90 miles from Cuba.

The Hana Highway is famously difficult and incredibly rewarding. With 620 curves and 59 bridges (most of them one-lane), it is a test of patience and driving skill.

The Experience: The drive takes you through a lush tropical rainforest filled with eucalyptus trees, blooming hibiscus, and hidden swimming holes.

Must-See Stops: Waianapanapa State Park features a stunning black sand beach and sea caves. Toward the end of the drive, the Seven Sacred Pools at Ohe’o offer a series of waterfalls cascading into the ocean.

Expert Advice: Start your drive at dawn to beat the "Road to Hana" tour buses, and never leave valuables in your car at the trailheads.

If you want to truly get away from it all, the "Alcan" is the ultimate wilderness expedition. Built during World War II, it stretches nearly 1,400 miles from Dawson Creek, British Columbia, to Delta Junction, Alaska.

The Drive: This is raw, untouched territory. You can drive for hours without seeing another soul, but you are almost guaranteed to see wood bison, moose, and black bears.

Must-See Stops: Soak your road-weary muscles in the Liard River Hot Springs, a natural thermal pool surrounded by boreal forest. In Watson Lake, visit the Sign Post Forest, where travelers have added over 80,000 signs from their hometowns since 1942.

Known as "A Journey Through Time," this 122-mile route connects Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Parks. It is arguably the most scenic stretch of road in the American Southwest.

The Drive: The landscape is a psychedelic swirl of red rock, white Navajo sandstone, and deep canyons. The most thrilling section is "The Hogback," where the road follows a narrow ridge with steep drops on both sides and no guardrails.

Must-See Stops: Explore the slot canyons of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument or stop at Kiva Coffeehouse for an incredible view of the Escalante River wilderness while you grab a latte.

U.S. Highway 101 circles the Olympic Peninsula, offering a "three-in-one" vacation. In a single day, you can see rugged coastlines, temperate rainforests, and sub-alpine peaks.

The Drive: It’s a 330-mile loop that showcases the moody, misty beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

Must-See Stops: The Hoh Rain Forest is one of the few temperate rainforests in the world; its "Hall of Mosses" looks like a scene from a fantasy movie. Afterward, head to Ruby Beach to see the massive sea stacks and piles of weathered driftwood.

Following Route 132 around the Gaspésie Peninsula is a journey into French-Canadian maritime culture. It is a land of lighthouses, mountains, and sea.

The Experience: The road hugs the shoreline of the St. Lawrence River as it widens into the sea. The northern side of the peninsula features soaring cliffs, while the southern side offers calmer bays and sandy beaches.

Must-See Stops: Percé Rock is the icon of the region, a massive limestone stack with a natural arch. Take a boat trip to Bonaventure Island to see one of the world's largest colonies of Northern Gannets.