When you think of the world’s greatest scenic drives, your mind probably goes to Italy’s Amalfi Coast, New Zealand’s Milford Road, or Norway’s Atlantic Ocean Road. But the United States is home to a stunning network of highways and byways that offer landscapes just as cinematic — if not more varied — than anywhere on Earth.
From winding cliffside roads overlooking the Pacific to alpine byways dotted with wildflowers, the U.S. is a road tripper’s dream. The following 8 scenic routes are so beautiful, they rival or even surpass their international counterparts — and you don’t need a passport to experience them.
1. Pacific Coast Highway (California State Route 1)
Best For: Coastal cliff drives, ocean views, California charm
Rival: Amalfi Coast, Italy
Why It Stuns:
There’s a reason this is considered one of the most iconic drives in the world. Running over 650 miles from Orange County to Mendocino County, the PCH traces California’s edge where the land meets the sea — sometimes dramatically so, with hairpin turns and sheer cliffs.
You’ll pass cypress trees, windswept beaches, lighthouses, redwood groves, and golden bluffs. And let’s not forget the charming towns along the way — think Carmel-by-the-Sea, Big Sur, and San Luis Obispo.
Must-See Stops:
- Bixby Creek Bridge (Big Sur) – a classic photo op
- McWay Falls – an 80-foot waterfall onto a pristine beach
- Hearst Castle – opulent estate perched above the sea
Insider Tip:
Avoid summer weekends. Try mid-September when the fog lifts, the tourists ease, and the golden light is pure magic.
2. Going-to-the-Sun Road (Montana)
Best For: Alpine views, glaciers, wildflowers
Rival: The Great Alpine Road, France
Why It Stuns:
Carved through the heart of Glacier National Park, this 50-mile drive is a masterclass in mountain drama. The road hugs cliffsides and ascends to Logan Pass, offering hair-raising turns and soul-stirring views. Waterfalls cascade right onto the road. Wild goats and grizzlies roam the valleys. And in summer, the meadows explode with wildflowers.
Must-See Stops:
- Logan Pass – hike the Hidden Lake Overlook
- Weeping Wall – a natural curtain of waterfall over the road
- St. Mary Lake – crystal blue waters with island photo ops
Insider Tip:
The road is only fully open late June to mid-September. Use the Glacier Shuttle or book the Red Bus Tour for a narrated, stress-free ride.
3. Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia to North Carolina)
Best For: Rolling mountains, fall foliage, peaceful driving
Rival: Black Forest High Road, Germany
Why It Stuns:
The Blue Ridge Parkway is the longest linear park in the U.S. — 469 miles of uninterrupted two-lane road with no stoplights and no commercial vehicles. Winding through the Appalachian Highlands, the scenery is gentle yet awe-inspiring: layers of blue-hued ridges, quiet farms, forest tunnels, and storybook overlooks.
Must-See Stops:
- Mabry Mill – a perfectly preserved 1910 water mill
- Craggy Gardens – blooming rhododendrons in June
- Mount Mitchell – the highest peak east of the Mississippi
Insider Tip:
October is peak foliage, but late spring brings lush greens and far fewer visitors. Drive early morning for soft light and solitude.
4. Utah’s Scenic Byway 12
Best For: Desert drama, red rocks, slot canyons
Rival: Ruta 40, Argentina
Why It Stuns:
Often dubbed “the All-American Road,” Scenic Byway 12 connects Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Parks, crossing over Grand Staircase–Escalante and otherworldly terrain. Expect to encounter slickrock canyons, sandstone spires, and forested plateaus all in a single day.
Must-See Stops:
- Bryce Canyon Amphitheater – best at sunrise
- Calf Creek Falls – 6-mile hike to a 126-foot waterfall
- Hogback Ridge – a white-knuckle stretch with cliffs on both sides
Insider Tip:
Combine this route with Utah’s “Mighty Five” national parks for the ultimate road trip loop.
5. Overseas Highway (Florida Keys)
Best For: Tropical views, island hopping, ocean lovers
Rival: Atlantic Ocean Road, Norway
Why It Stuns:
Imagine 113 miles of road, suspended between turquoise waters and tropical breezes. The Overseas Highway, especially the Seven Mile Bridge, delivers sea-to-sky vistas you’d expect in the Caribbean. With pelicans gliding alongside and fishermen casting lines at dawn, the vibe is chill, the views are unforgettable.
Must-See Stops:
- Bahia Honda State Park – arguably the best beach in the Keys
- Islamorada – home to artsy shops and fresh seafood
- Key West – Hemingway homes, Cuban coffee, sunset bars
Insider Tip:
Sunrise drives offer the best colors — and fewer rental convertibles in front of you.
READ ALSO: 5 Most Amazing Under-the-Radar Road Trips in the U.S.
6. Beartooth Highway (Montana/Wyoming)
Best For: Hairpin turns, snowfields, mountain grandeur
Rival: Stelvio Pass, Italy
Why It Stuns:
This road is so beautiful, Charles Kuralt called it “the most beautiful drive in America.” It climbs to nearly 11,000 feet, weaving through switchbacks, glacial lakes, and alpine tundra with jaw-dropping views at every bend. At the top, it feels like you’re driving on the roof of the world.
Must-See Stops:
- Top of the World Store – for snacks and epic views
- Beartooth Pass Summit – panoramic high-altitude views
- Cooke City – a quaint Old West outpost
Insider Tip:
Plan it as your gateway into Yellowstone National Park. The east entrance via Beartooth is far quieter and more scenic than the rest.
7. Kancamagus Highway (New Hampshire)
Best For: Autumn leaves, mountain streams, classic New England
Rival: Tuscany’s Chiantigiana Road
Why It Stuns:
Known as “The Kanc,” this 34.5-mile road through the White Mountain National Forest is a masterpiece of seasonal color. It’s particularly stunning in October, when the maples, oaks, and birches explode in orange, crimson, and gold. But even in summer, its covered bridges, gorges, and hiking trails make it a standout.
Must-See Stops:
- Sabbaday Falls – an easy hike to a stunning waterfall
- Rocky Gorge Scenic Area – classic photo op
- Albany Covered Bridge – pure Americana
Insider Tip:
Plan a sunrise drive starting east to west for light-drenched mountain views.
8. Columbia River Gorge Scenic Highway (Oregon)
Best For: Waterfalls, forested cliffs, river views
Rival: Loire Valley Drives, France
Why It Stuns:
This is America’s first designated scenic highway, built in the early 1900s — and it’s still one of the best. The Columbia River Gorge slices through the Cascade Mountains, flanked by forested cliffs and dozens of waterfalls. The route winds gently through this landscape, with short hikes to falls and panoramic overlooks.
Must-See Stops:
- Multnomah Falls – Oregon’s tallest waterfall (620 feet)
- Vista House – an Art Deco observatory with sweeping views
- Latourell Falls – striking basalt-column backdrop
Insider Tip:
Start your drive from Portland and pair it with local wineries along the Hood River Fruit Loop for a full-day getaway.
Bonus: Tailoring the Drive to Your Style
⛺ Nature Lovers:
- Beartooth Highway
- Going-to-the-Sun Road
- Blue Ridge Parkway
🌊 Water View Seekers:
- Pacific Coast Highway
- Overseas Highway
- Columbia River Gorge
📸 Instagram-Worthy Drives:
- Utah’s Scenic Byway 12
- Kancamagus Highway
- Beartooth Highway
🚘 Classic Car Cruisers:
- Route 66 (from Arizona to New Mexico) – Honorable mention!
- Skyline Drive in Virginia – quieter than Blue Ridge but equally scenic
What to Pack for a Scenic U.S. Road Trip
Paper maps or downloaded offline GPS maps — remote areas often lack cell service
Snacks + water — some routes are rural with few stops
Binoculars for spotting wildlife
Tripod or dashboard phone mount for steady photos
National Parks Pass if you’re hitting parks en route
Layered clothing — alpine passes can drop 30° from the base
Final Thoughts
Forget airport security, jet lag, and customs lines. America’s scenic drives prove that the spirit of adventure — and natural grandeur — can be found right at home. Whether you’re watching waves crash along Big Sur or cresting a snowy summit in Montana, these routes deliver the drama, romance, and beauty of the world’s most famous drives — with the added comfort of your own car and playlist.
So pack a weekend bag, fill the tank, and rediscover the road. You might just find that the most epic journeys are the ones closest to home.
In another related article, Road Trips That Feel Like Europe — Without Leaving the U.S
