If you’ve ever felt the itch to just pack a bag, roll down the windows, and let the open road lead the way—you’re not alone. Road trips are practically woven into the fabric of American lifestyle, and in this era of conscious travel and slow living, they’ve made a serious comeback.
Forget the airport chaos and overpriced last-minute flights—nothing beats a well-curated drive through nature’s own gallery of landscapes. From jaw-dropping cliffs and coastal curves to forest tunnels and desert trails that feel like Mars, scenic drives are no longer just a vacation option—they’re a vibe.
Whether you’re plotting your next family escape, a solo soul-search, or a girls’ getaway, here are the most breathtaking, camera-roll-dominating drives to add to your wanderlist ASAP.
Historic Route 66 – Illinois to California Via the Southwest
The OG road trip route—with vintage flair.
Route 66 is a famous and historic highway that runs from Chicago, Illinois, south and west to Santa Monica, California. “The best way to road trip on Historic Route 66 is with a guidebook or map that will show you the routes you can take to stay as close to the original highway as possible.”
Where: A road trip along Route 66 will take you through Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California, and this is filled with iconic American roadside attractions, food, and places to stay.
Attraction: There is no shortage of activities to explore on Route 66. Some highlights include the Petrified Forest, the Mojave Desert, the Painted Desert, vintage gas stations, roadside diners, statues and art installations, and historic railroads. It is also known for its quirky roadside attractions such as Cadillac Ranch, The Muffler Men, the Blue Whale of Catoosa, and the Continental Divide as well as the Grand Canyon Park.
What to Expect: Driving along Historic Route 66 will take adventurers through different American landscapes, such as prairies, deserts, farmland, and mountains.
Weather: Because Historic Route 66 crosses so many states and climates, weather will vary throughout the trip. The best time to do this trip is between March and October to avoid potentially snowy road conditions, according to Brewer. The summer months can easily reach temperatures over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, but late spring or early fall will typically provide the best weather for the trip. It is always best to check the weather conditions all along the route to prepare.
📷 Best time to go: Spring or early summer
🛑 Quick Tip: Embrace the kitsch. Stop for that neon sign selfie.
Pacific Coast Highway – California to Washington
The Beyoncé of scenic drives.
This incredibly scenic road trip runs along California Highway 1 and US 101 throughout California, Oregon, and Washington. While describing this road trip, Brewer explained that it is amazing if you drive the entire route, but it is also easily split up into smaller sections. “You can drive from Seattle to San Francisco, from San Francisco to San Diego, or even just from San Francisco to Los Angeles, and you will still see amazing views along the way.”
Where: Driving the Pacific Coast Highway will take you through California, Oregon and Washington. Your destination may begin in San Diego heading north or begin your trip in Seattle and head south. If you start in Washington and drive the route southbound, the ocean will be on the right-hand side and you will have great views of the water for much of the trip.
Attractions: Some of the natural enchantments include Big Sur, Avenue of the Giants, Redwood National Park, and the elephant seals on the shores of San Simeon, all in California. Hoh Rain Forest within Olympic National Park in Washington. Other fun places to see include cities such as Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Santa Monica, and San Diego, and attractions like Hearst Castle, San Luis Obispo wine country, Santa Monica Pier, and the many beaches of Orange County.
What to Expect: Brewer agreed that the views may be incredible, but there are a few things RV Travelers should keep in mind. “Much of this highway runs along the ocean, and there are sharp turns and narrow bits of road to maneuver, so be careful if you have a longer or larger rig.”
Weather: The northern section of the Pacific Coast Highway in Washington and Oregon will be much cooler than the part that runs through southern California. Brewer explained that the best weather in the Pacific Northwest happens during the summer and early fall. In southern California, the weather will be warm to hot or most of the year, although it can get cooler in winter. “Spring is a fantastic time to take this trip since the flowers are in bloom, but you will have fluctuations in weather.” There can also be unpredictable weather, wildfires, and even mud slides so it is best to check with the local transportation departments before setting off.
📷 Best time to go: Late spring or early fall for mild weather and fewer crowds.
🛑 Quick Tip: Stop at Nepenthe for a sunset view you’ll never forget.
Blue Ridge Parkway – Virginia to North Carolina
Fall foliage? Say less.
Blue Ridge Parkway (nicknamed “America’s Favorite Drive”) is a beautiful drive along the Appalachian Mountains in Virginia and North Carolina. Connecting to National Parks, Blue Ridge Parkway is full of mileposts with gorgeous views and fun activities for the whole family. This scenic road trip features a historic mill, beautiful hikes, sites displaying local history and crafts, and plenty of scenery.
Where: Blue Ridge Parkway begins at the southern part of Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and ends 470 miles later at Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina.
Attractions: Brewer described the many scenic overlooking where to veer off and enjoy the views throughout the entire drive. “Aside from stunning vistas of the mountains and colorful foliage if you visit in fall, highlights include Roanoke, Mabry Mill, the Mile-High Swinging Bridge, Mount Mitchell State Park, and Craggy Gardens. There is also a variety of hikes if you want to enjoy the region on foot as well as by RV.”
Weather: Spring, summer, and fall are the best times to drive this stretch of road, although it is open all year. “It can get hot in the summer, but the evenings will be cooler in the spring and fall. This region gets snow in winter, and the road may close temporarily after snowstorms until it can be plowed.”
📷 Best time to go: October (peak leaf peeping!)
🛑 Quick Tip: Bring layers—the mountains play by their own weather rules.
Going-to-the-Sun Road (Montana)
For when you want to feel tiny—in the best way.
Cut through the heart of Glacier National Park, this engineering marvel delivers epic views of alpine meadows, glacial lakes, and snowy peaks.
“This isn’t just a drive—it’s a spiritual experience,” shares nature photographer Jon Vance. “Every curve reveals something jaw-dropping.”
Don’t Miss: Logan Pass, St. Mary Lake, and the Weeping Wall.
📍 Route: Glacier National Park
📷 Best time to go: July to September (it’s closed in winter due to snow)
🛑 Quick Tip: Go early or late in the day—parking gets competitive.
Red Rock Scenic Byway (Arizona)
Desert dreams and canyon queens.
Just 7.5 miles long, this route proves that short and sweet can still be unforgettable. Winding through Sedona’s glowing red rock formations, it’s perfect for a quick nature recharge.
“There’s something healing about red rock energy,” says holistic coach Amira Belle. “It’s not just scenic, it’s soul medicine.”
Don’t Miss: Bell Rock, Cathedral Rock, and a sunset yoga stop.
📍 Route: Highway 179, Sedona
📷 Best time to go: Spring or fall (hello, golden hour glows)
🛑 Quick Tip: Start early to avoid Sedona’s mid-morning traffic.
🎒 Before You Go: A Mini Checklist
- 📸 Charge your phone + camera
- 🎶 Curate a “scenic slay” road trip playlist
- ☕ Bring snacks (and backup snacks)
- 🧴 Don’t forget sunscreen—windows don’t block UV
- 📍 Download offline maps—signal’s not promised
🚘 Final Word: Life’s Too Short for Boring Drives
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, hugging coastal cliffs, or dancing through desert heat waves, scenic road trips are a full-body experience. They pull you out of the digital clutter and into something real, raw, and unforgettable.
So, what are you waiting for? Slide into the driver’s seat and let the road work its magic. And hey—don’t forget to romanticize the ride.
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