1. Pacific Coast Highway, California
Driving along the Pacific Coast Highway is like stepping into a postcard. The road hugs the cliffs and curves around dramatic beaches, offering endless views of the Pacific Ocean. Surfers, seals, and occasional fog add a dynamic element to the scenery. Whether you’re stopping at Big Sur or just passing through Malibu, the coastline is mesmerizing.
Sunsets here are legendary, painting the sky in pinks, oranges, and purples that reflect off the ocean. The highway also passes through quaint coastal towns where you can grab fresh seafood. Each stretch has its own personality, from rugged cliffs to soft sandy beaches. It’s no wonder travelers often drive this route just for the view.
2. Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina
The Blue Ridge Parkway is famous for its rolling mountains and vibrant fall foliage. As you wind through the Appalachian Mountains, every turn seems to unveil a new scenic vista. Hikers and bikers often share the trail, making it a lively outdoor corridor. Wildlife sightings, especially deer and wild turkeys, are common along the way.
Autumn is particularly stunning here, with reds, oranges, and yellows carpeting the hillsides. There are numerous overlooks where you can pause, stretch, and snap photos without feeling rushed. The parkway is slower-paced than an interstate, allowing drivers to savor each view. This leisurely drive makes it a favorite for those seeking scenic beauty over speed.
3. Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana
This Montana road slices through Glacier National Park, offering jaw-dropping mountain and glacier views. The engineering is impressive, hugging steep cliffs and winding past waterfalls. Hikers often stop along the route to explore trails that lead to hidden lakes and alpine meadows. Wildlife like mountain goats and bears adds excitement to every mile.
Summer is the best time to drive it, as snow closures often block access in winter. The road spans the Continental Divide, providing unique vantage points on both sides of the mountains. Scenic pullouts are perfect for taking in views that feel almost otherworldly. It’s a must-do for travelers who prioritize natural beauty over a direct route.
4. Highway 12, Utah
Highway 12, also known as Scenic Byway 12, winds through some of Utah’s most otherworldly landscapes. Red rock cliffs, slot canyons, and sweeping desert vistas dominate the scenery. The route connects Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Parks, making it a playground for nature lovers. Every mile offers a new perspective on Utah’s iconic geology.
Photographers flock here for the light at sunrise and sunset, which makes the rocks glow in surreal ways. Small towns along the way offer charming stops for coffee or local art. There are fewer crowds than some of the more famous national park roads, giving a sense of peaceful isolation. Driving this highway feels like touring a natural museum without walls.
5. Route 100, Vermont
Route 100 runs through the heart of Vermont and is perfect for leaf-peeping in the fall. Rolling hills, covered bridges, and classic New England farmhouses line the way. The scenery changes with the seasons, from lush green summers to snowy winters. Small towns along the route have artisanal shops and cozy cafes that make stopping worthwhile.
The drive is particularly magical during autumn, when the foliage explodes in reds, oranges, and golds. Ski towns like Stowe add charm and a hint of adventure with their mountain views. You’ll often see rivers and lakes reflecting the surrounding scenery, creating a serene atmosphere. It’s a road that feels like stepping into a painting.
6. Beartooth Highway, Montana and Wyoming
The Beartooth Highway ascends nearly 11,000 feet, providing sweeping views of snow-capped peaks. The route is rugged, winding, and exhilarating, making every twist feel like an adventure. Alpine lakes and meadows dot the landscape, perfect for quick stops and photos. Hikers often take detours to explore trails that lead to hidden waterfalls.
This highway connects Yellowstone National Park with Red Lodge, offering a dramatic gateway to wilderness. Wildlife sightings, from bighorn sheep to eagles, are common along the route. The high elevation can bring sudden weather changes, which only add to the drama of the scenery. It’s the kind of drive that makes you forget the miles behind you.
7. Overseas Highway, Florida
The Overseas Highway stretches across the Florida Keys, with water on both sides and endless ocean views. The turquoise waters, coral reefs, and tiny islands create a tropical paradise feel. Bridges like the Seven Mile Bridge offer cinematic views that seem to float above the sea. Every stopover offers snorkeling, fishing, or just a moment to soak in the sun.
Sunrise and sunset here are magical, with skies reflecting across the calm waters. Mangroves and palm trees provide a lush backdrop for the drive. The road feels isolated despite connecting several islands, giving a sense of escape. Driving here is as much about the journey as it is the destination.
8. Natchez Trace Parkway, Mississippi to Tennessee
The Natchez Trace Parkway is rich with history and scenic charm. Ancient trees line the road, creating a canopy that changes with the seasons. The path follows old Native American and early settler trails, adding cultural depth to the journey. There are plenty of historical markers and small pull-offs for peaceful picnics.
The quiet pace of the parkway encourages reflection and relaxation. Wildlife, including deer and songbirds, is abundant and adds life to the views. Winding hills and river crossings make the drive visually engaging without being overwhelming. It’s a scenic route that feels like stepping back in time.
9. Million Dollar Highway, Colorado
The Million Dollar Highway runs through the San Juan Mountains and lives up to its dramatic reputation. Sharp turns, steep cliffs, and stunning mountain panoramas keep you on your toes. Historic mining towns like Silverton add a nostalgic charm to the route. The views of jagged peaks and deep valleys are unforgettable.
During winter, snow-capped mountains make the scenery even more breathtaking. Summer brings wildflowers and clear skies that stretch for miles. There are numerous pull-offs where you can stop and marvel at the engineering alongside nature. Every curve seems to reveal a new reason to love this highway.
10. Skyline Drive, Virginia
Skyline Drive runs through Shenandoah National Park and is famous for its sweeping mountain vistas. The drive offers hundreds of overlooks, each framing the Blue Ridge Mountains differently. It’s particularly popular in the fall, when the forests explode with color. Hiking trails and picnic areas make it easy to immerse yourself in nature.
The road is peaceful and slower-paced, perfect for travelers who want to savor each scene. Wildlife sightings, especially deer and black bears, are common. Morning fog and soft sunlight create a mystical atmosphere over the valleys. Skyline Drive is a route where the journey truly is the destination.
11. Highway 163, Utah
Highway 163 winds past Monument Valley, offering iconic red rock formations and endless desert horizons. The road feels cinematic, often used in Western films for its striking landscapes. Buttes and mesas rise dramatically from the flat desert floor, providing perfect photo opportunities. Sunrise and sunset cast golden light that transforms the rocks into fiery silhouettes.
The highway is relatively quiet, making it ideal for contemplative drives. Navajo Nation landmarks along the way give the journey cultural depth. The vastness of the desert creates a sense of freedom that’s hard to replicate. Every mile along Highway 163 reminds drivers why the American West is legendary.
12. Highway 1, Oregon
Oregon’s Highway 1 runs along the rugged coastline with crashing waves and towering sea cliffs. Lighthouses and small fishing towns punctuate the route, adding charm to every mile. Tide pools, beaches, and coastal forests provide variety in scenery. Foggy mornings create an ethereal feel, while sunny afternoons reveal bright green hillsides.
The drive is a mix of dramatic cliffs and tranquil coves. Wildlife like seabirds, seals, and even whales can be spotted from the road. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike short trails or explore the coastline up close. It’s a route that captures the wild, untamed beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
13. Great River Road, Mississippi
The Great River Road traces the Mississippi River, offering a unique mix of natural and cultural scenery. River bends, bluffs, and floodplain forests create a constantly changing view. Historic towns like Natchez and Vicksburg add charm and stories to the journey. Steamboats and ferries occasionally dot the river, enhancing the classic Americana vibe.
The road’s pace encourages exploration of roadside parks and scenic overlooks. Migratory birds and other wildlife add life to the riverbanks. Seasonal changes, from lush summer greens to misty autumn mornings, keep the scenery dynamic. It’s a peaceful, picturesque drive that showcases America’s heartland along the mighty Mississippi.
This post 13 Highways Americans Take Just for the View was first published on American Charm.
