30. Route 66 (Chicago to Los Angeles)
The legendary Route 66 road trip from Chicago to Los Angeles covers over 2,000 miles through eight states, but finding authentic sections of the original highway can be challenging. Many portions have been replaced by modern interstates, leaving travelers searching for genuine remnants of America’s “Mother Road.”
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What to Expect:
- Distance: Over 2,000 miles
- States: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California
- Time needed: One week minimum for the full journey
The route passes through small towns where tourist-focused businesses capitalize on Route 66’s nostalgic appeal. Travelers often spend considerable time navigating between surviving sections while encountering inflated prices at roadside attractions and diners trading on the highway’s historic reputation.
Some authentic stops along Route 66 still exist, including classic motels, vintage gas stations, and local diners that predate the interstate system. However, the experience requires patience and realistic expectations about what remains of the original cross-country highway experience.
29. Pacific Coast Highway, California (Full Route)
The Pacific Coast Highway delivers spectacular coastal views through Big Sur’s dramatic cliffs and redwood forests. But travelers should prepare for reality: frequent traffic jams, sudden fog banks that block ocean views, and seasonal road closures that can derail carefully planned itineraries.
Route Planning Challenges:
- Traffic congestion in popular spots like Carmel and Santa Barbara
- Parking shortages in beach towns during peak season
- Construction delays that can add hours to drive times
- Weather-related closures, especially during winter storms
The scenic Highway 1 road trip spans 655 miles from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Drivers encounter everything from Instagram-worthy coastline to frustrating urban sprawl and strip mall stretches.
What to Expect:
- Big Sur section: 90 miles of stunning coastal views (when weather cooperates)
- Urban areas: Dense traffic through LA and San Francisco metropolitan regions
- Beach communities: Crowded parking and slow-moving tourist traffic
- Fog interference: Limited visibility can obscure ocean views for hours
Smart travelers check road conditions before departing and build extra time into their schedules. The Pacific Coast Highway road trip guide recommends allowing 2-3 days minimum for the full route to account for delays and spontaneous stops.
While the highway offers undeniable natural beauty, it requires patience and realistic expectations about traffic conditions and weather challenges.
28. Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina/Virginia
The Blue Ridge Parkway stretches 469 miles connecting Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Travelers navigate winding mountain roads at slower speeds while exploring spectacular overlooks and scenic views throughout Virginia and North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains.
Best Time to Visit:
- Spring/Summer: Clear weather, accessible trails
- Fall: Peak foliage season (timing varies)
- Winter: Some sections may close
Popular stops include numerous overlooks, hiking trails, and visitor centers. The parkway offers camping, lodging, and dining options at various locations. RV travelers should plan for narrow roads and steep grades in certain sections.
Many visitors combine their Blue Ridge Parkway road trip with stops at both national parks for a complete Appalachian mountain experience.
27. Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana
This 50-mile scenic drive through Glacier National Park closes for winter around six months each year. When it’s open, expect crowds and limited parking at popular stops like Logan Pass. The road reaches 6,466 feet elevation and offers views of glacial valleys and alpine lakes.
26. Overseas Highway to Key West, Florida
The 113-mile Overseas Highway stretches from Key Largo to Key West, connecting tropical islands with 42 bridges across turquoise waters. Travelers navigate this iconic route while enjoying stunning ocean views on both sides.
Key Features:
- Distance: 113 miles of island-hopping adventure
- Bridges: 42 spans crossing channels and open water
- Views: Atlantic Ocean and Gulf waters
- Traffic: Single lanes with limited passing opportunities
The highway transforms a simple drive into an unforgettable experience. Drivers cross dozens of bridges while spotting marine life in crystal-clear waters below.
Key West awaits at the journey’s end as a vibrant destination. The southernmost city offers cruise ship ports, nightlife, and classic Florida Keys atmosphere after hours of scenic coastal driving.
Planning Tips:
- Allow extra time for slower traffic
- Plan stops at essential highway attractions
- Check weather conditions before departure
- Fuel up before starting the journey
The route follows the path of Henry Flagler’s historic railroad from 1912. Today’s modern highway maintains that same island-connecting vision while serving millions of annual visitors to the Florida Keys.
25. Trail Ridge Road, Colorado
Trail Ridge Road winds 48 miles through Rocky Mountain National Park, connecting Estes Park to Grand Lake while climbing to 12,183 feet — making it the highest continuous paved road in North America.
What Makes It Special:
- Drives above the treeline with incredible alpine views
- Crosses the Continental Divide
- 18 scenic stops along the route
- Wildlife spotting opportunities (elk, bighorn sheep, marmots)
Timing Considerations:
- Open: Late May through October (weather dependent)
- Best months: July-September for full access
- Crowds: Expect heavy traffic during summer weekends
The road offers spectacular mountain views, but travelers should prepare for altitude effects and potential weather changes. Summer visitors often encounter significant crowds, especially at popular overlooks and the Alpine Visitor Center.
Pro tip: Start early in the morning to avoid afternoon thunderstorms and secure parking at scenic viewpoints.
24. Beartooth Highway, Montana/Wyoming
The 68-mile Beartooth Highway connects Red Lodge, Montana to Cooke City, Wyoming through some of America’s most dramatic mountain terrain. This scenic route to Yellowstone climbs nearly 11,000 feet through switchbacks and alpine landscapes. The highway operates from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October, weather permitting.
23. Million Dollar Highway, Colorado
The 25-mile stretch between Ouray and Silverton delivers some of Colorado’s most spectacular mountain scenery — and most nerve-wracking driving conditions. This dangerous but stunning route features guardrail-free drops and sharp curves that make passengers grip their seats while taking in breathtaking San Juan Mountain views.
Key Features:
- Length: 25 miles through the San Juan Mountains
- Cost: Originally cost $1 million per mile to build
- Difficulty: Considered one of America’s most dangerous roads
The highway earns its reputation through sheer drops, narrow lanes, and zero guardrails in many sections. But those white-knuckle moments come with a payoff — 360-degree mountain views that make the anxiety worthwhile. Smart travelers plan extra time for photo stops (when it’s safe to pull over) and maybe pack some motion sickness remedies for sensitive passengers.
22. Hana Highway, Maui
The famous Hana Highway promises paradise but delivers traffic jams and frustration instead. This 64-mile scenic drive takes five hours each way through 600+ hairpin turns and narrow bridges while tourists randomly stop for waterfall selfies.
What You’ll Actually Find:
- Bumper-to-bumper traffic on winding roads
- Limited parking at popular stops
- A small town with basic amenities
- The same long drive back
Many travelers find this overrated Hawaiian road trip feels more like a marathon than vacation fun. The destination itself — Hana — offers little beyond a gas station and general store after hours of stressful driving through crowds.
21. Tail of the Dragon, Tennessee/North Carolina
The Tail of the Dragon spans 318 curves in just 11 miles along the Tennessee-North Carolina border. This winding stretch of US 129 attracts motorcyclists from across the country who come to tackle its serpentine turns through the Smoky Mountains.
Key Details:
- Length: 11 miles
- Curves: 318 total
- Elevation: 1,988 feet at highest point
- Route: US 129 from Deals Gap to Chilhowee Lake
For drivers, the experience can become repetitive after the first dozen hairpin turns. The constant curves demand complete attention, leaving little opportunity to enjoy mountain scenery. Many visitors find planning their Dragon trip helps set realistic expectations for this challenging drive.
The road runs along Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s edge, but travelers seeking scenic mountain drives might prefer less technical routes that allow more sightseeing opportunities.
20. Natchez Trace Parkway, Mississippi/Alabama/Tennessee
The 444-mile Natchez Trace Parkway stretches through three states with a strict 50 mph speed limit and minimal services. Travelers find themselves on a historic route following ancient Native American trails — beautifully maintained but requiring serious patience for the leisurely pace.
19. Great River Road, Mississippi River
The Great River Road spans over 3,000 miles through ten states from Minnesota to Louisiana, following America’s most famous waterway. This scenic byway offers travelers a mix of river towns, cultural sites, and natural areas along the Mississippi. The route passes through diverse landscapes and communities that showcase different aspects of American river culture.
18. US Route 1, Maine Coast
Maine’s famous coastal highway delivers a mixed bag of experiences that don’t always match the postcard promises. While scenic Route 1 road trips are heavily marketed as quintessential New England adventures, travelers often find themselves navigating through commercial strips and tourist-heavy towns rather than pristine coastal scenery.
The route does offer genuine highlights — authentic lobster shacks serve up incredible seafood, and charming coastal towns provide that quintessential Maine atmosphere visitors crave. But seasoned road trippers know to manage their expectations about continuous ocean views.
What to Expect:
- Heavy traffic during summer months through popular destinations
- Commercial development between scenic spots
- Limited coastal access due to private properties
- Authentic New England food experiences at local establishments
Smart travelers planning a Maine coast road trip often supplement Route 1 with smaller coastal roads that offer better ocean access. The journey from Kittery to Bar Harbor covers over 500 miles of varied landscapes, from sandy southern beaches to rocky northern coastlines.
Pro tip: Visit during shoulder seasons (late spring or early fall) to avoid peak crowds while still enjoying pleasant weather and open attractions.
17. Skyline Drive, Virginia
Virginia’s 105-mile scenic byway winds through Shenandoah National Park with a 35 mph speed limit that feels painfully slow during peak fall foliage season. The drive features 75 overlooks packed with leaf-peepers snapping identical photos from October through early November.
What You’ll Find:
- Distance: 105 miles north to south
- Drive Time: 3 hours without stops
- Annual Visitors: 1.2 million
- Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle
The route attracts nature lovers seeking Blue Ridge Mountain views, but savvy travelers know Virginia’s back roads offer similar scenery without entrance fees or bumper-to-bumper traffic. Fall weekends turn the drive into a slow-moving parade of cars stopping at every scenic pullout.
Smart visitors plan 3-day itineraries to explore hiking trails and avoid rushing through in a single afternoon. The road opens access to Shenandoah’s interior, though the real magic happens on foot rather than from behind a windshield.
16. Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia
The Cabot Trail is a 298 km scenic drive through Cape Breton Highlands National Park that frequently disappears behind thick coastal fog. Visitors often spend hours driving through clouds waiting for views to emerge, only to find tour buses crowding the few clear scenic overlooks that do appear.
Key Challenges:
- Persistent fog obscures coastal views for much of the year
- Heavy tour bus traffic at popular viewpoints
- Weather can change rapidly along the route
The drive takes travelers around Cape Breton Island’s rugged coastline, but the famous Atlantic Ocean vistas come with no guarantees. Many find themselves questioning whether they’re actually experiencing one of Canada’s most scenic drives while staring into gray mist for hours at a time.
Planning Tips:
- Start early to avoid tour bus crowds
- Check weather forecasts before departing
- Have backup indoor activities ready
15. Icefields Parkway, Alberta
The 230-kilometer stretch of Highway 93 connecting Lake Louise to Jasper ranks among the world’s most spectacular drives. Travelers cruise past glaciers, turquoise lakes, and towering peaks through both Banff and Jasper National Parks.
Key Highlights:
- Columbia Icefield – massive glacier system accessible by guided tours
- Athabasca Falls – thundering waterfall with easy walking trails
- Peyto Lake – iconic turquoise lake shaped like a wolf’s head
- Bow Lake – pristine alpine lake with mountain reflections
The drive takes around 3 hours without stops, but smart travelers plan a full day to explore the 20+ incredible stops along the route. Summer brings crowds and slower traffic, so early morning departures work best.
Wildlife spotting opportunities include mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and black bears. The paved two-lane highway stays open year-round, though winter conditions require snow tires and extra caution.
Best Time to Visit: Late June through September for clearest weather and accessible viewpoints.
14. Alaska Highway, Alaska/Canada
The Alaska Highway spans 1,382 miles from Dawson Creek, British Columbia to Delta Junction, Alaska. Travelers drive through British Columbia and Yukon Territory before reaching Alaska’s interior wilderness.
Key Details:
- Distance: 1,382 miles (2,224 kilometers)
- Duration: Typically 3-5 days
- Best Time: May through September
- Fuel Strategy: Fill up whenever possible
| Challenge | Reality Check |
|---|---|
| Gas stations | Can be 200+ miles apart |
| Road conditions | Rough patches and construction zones |
| Scenery fatigue | Hours of similar boreal forest |
| Weather | Unpredictable, even in summer |
The highway offers hot springs and unique desert areas to break up long driving stretches. Most travelers recommend planning stops at Watson Lake, Whitehorse, and Tok for fuel and rest.
Services become increasingly sparse heading north. Travelers should pack emergency supplies, extra food, and camping gear. The journey requires patience — what looks epic on paper can feel monotonous after day two of endless spruce trees.
Despite challenges, completing this legendary North American road trip remains a bucket-list achievement for many adventurous drivers.
13. Loneliest Road in America, Nevada (Highway 50)
Highway 50 cuts through Nevada’s vast desert for nearly 400 miles, earning its nickname from Life Magazine in 1986. The route connects Carson City to Great Basin National Park through endless stretches of sagebrush and occasional mining towns.
Travelers can tackle the Highway 50 Survival Guide challenge by getting stamps from five of seven towns: Austin, Dayton, Eureka, Ely, Fallon, Fernley, and Baker. Each stop offers a glimpse into Nevada’s mining history and Wild West heritage.
The highway follows portions of the historic Pony Express Trail, winding through desert valleys where wild horses still roam free. Gas stations become precious commodities — sometimes spaced 100+ miles apart.
Key stops include:
- Austin – Historic mining town perched on a hillside
- Eureka – Well-preserved 19th-century courthouse and opera house
- Ely – Gateway to Great Basin National Park
- Sand Mountain – Massive sand dune perfect for recreation
Despite its intimidating reputation, modern Highway 50 maintains good pavement and cell coverage in most areas. The “loneliest” designation has actually boosted tourism, with adventurous travelers embracing the challenge rather than avoiding it.
12. Seven Mile Bridge, Florida Keys
The Seven Mile Bridge spans 6.79 miles connecting Marathon to Little Duck Key as part of the Overseas Highway. This modern bridge finished in 1982 offers spectacular ocean views during the quick seven-minute drive across turquoise waters.
11. Columbia River Highway, Oregon
The Historic Columbia River Highway winds through Oregon’s famous waterfall corridor, where travelers can visit iconic stops like Multnomah Falls. However, visitors should expect heavy crowds at popular viewpoints and significant traffic congestion around Portland that can impact the driving experience.
What to Expect:
- Length: 70-75 miles of scenic highway
- Main Attractions: 5 major waterfalls including Multnomah Falls
- Traffic: Heavy congestion near Portland and at waterfall parking areas
- Best Time: Early morning or weekdays to avoid peak crowds
The route connects Troutdale to The Dalles, passing through the Columbia River Gorge. While the waterfalls are undeniably beautiful, the experience comes with challenges — packed parking lots and bumper-to-bumper traffic can test patience. The historic sections of road are shorter than many expect, and the urban traffic on both ends disrupts the natural scenery that draws most visitors to this National Historic Landmark.
10. Turquoise Trail, New Mexico
The Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway connects Albuquerque and Santa Fe along a 50-mile stretch of New Mexico State Road 14. Travelers can explore historic mining towns like Cerrillos and browse local art galleries scattered throughout the route. The byway adds roughly an hour to the interstate drive but offers mountain vistas and glimpses into New Mexico’s turquoise mining history.
9. Red Rock Scenic Byway, Arizona
Arizona’s Red Rock Scenic Byway stretches 7.5 miles along State Route 179, connecting Interstate 17 to Sedona. The road showcases dramatic red sandstone formations and desert landscapes that change color throughout the day.
Key Features:
- Length: 7.5-15 miles (sources vary)
- Location: Between Coconino and Yavapai counties
- Designation: All-American Road status
Travelers encounter heavy traffic from tour buses and rental vehicles, especially during peak hours. The scenic overlooks provide photo opportunities along the route, though parking fills quickly at popular trailheads.
The byway features spiritual vortexes, hiking trails, and cultural landmarks amid the striking red rock country. Visitors should plan for early morning arrivals to secure parking and avoid crowds at the most popular stops.
8. Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire
The 34-mile Kancamagus Highway transforms into New England’s most crowded scenic drive each October. What normally takes an hour becomes a three-hour crawl through bumper-to-bumper traffic. Every overlook overflows with tourists snapping identical fall foliage photos.
7. Angeles Crest Highway, California
This 66-mile mountain route through the San Gabriel Mountains delivers spectacular views when accessible. The narrow, winding road frequently closes due to weather and damage, but recent reopenings have restored access to this challenging drive between La Cañada Flintridge and Wrightwood.
6. Extraterrestrial Highway, Nevada
Nevada’s Extraterrestrial Highway stretches 98 miles along State Route 375, connecting Las Vegas to remote desert landscapes. This alien-themed road trip attracts UFO enthusiasts and curious travelers seeking quirky roadside attractions.
Key Stops:
- Little A’Le’Inn – Alien-themed restaurant and gift shop
- Alien Research Center – Roadside attraction with UFO displays
- Area 51 viewpoints – Distant glimpses of the classified facility
The route passes through Joshua tree forests and Nevada’s vast desert terrain. Travelers encounter UFO-themed attractions and alien artifacts scattered along the lonely highway.
Most visitors find the experience centers around the journey itself rather than specific destinations. The highway offers photo opportunities and unusual gift shops for those interested in extraterrestrial culture.
5. Mohawk Trail, Massachusetts
The Mohawk Trail spans 60 miles through western Massachusetts as New England’s first official scenic tourist route. This historic Route 2 follows the old Native American trail used by the Five Nations to travel between valleys.
Key Highlights:
- Historic significance – Original Native American pathway
- Seasonal beauty – Fall foliage displays along mountain roads
- Roadside attractions – Classic tourist stops from decades past
- Natural features – Deerfield River access for outdoor activities
The route passes through charming New England towns where visitors can explore white-water rafting, kayaking, and fishing opportunities along the Deerfield River. Notable stops include Hail to the Sunrise Park, which commemorates the Five Indian Nations.
Travelers find the drive offers a nostalgic glimpse into mid-century American tourism, complete with vintage roadside attractions and scenic overlooks that showcase the Berkshire Mountains’ natural beauty throughout all four seasons.
4. Highway 12, Utah
Utah’s Scenic Byway 12 stretches 124 miles through some of America’s most remote terrain. This All-American Road connects Bryce Canyon to Capitol Reef, winding through the Grand Staircase-Escalante with zero services for long stretches. Travelers should fuel up and pack extra water before tackling this spectacular but unforgiving route.
3. Crater Lake Rim Drive, Oregon
The 33-mile loop around Crater Lake offers stunning views of America’s deepest lake nestled in an ancient volcanic crater. Visitors can explore numerous viewpoints and hiking trails along the paved route, though traffic can slow down significantly with RVs navigating the winding mountain road.
2. Mount Washington Auto Road, New Hampshire
The Mount Washington Auto Road offers drivers a challenging 7.8-mile climb to New England’s highest peak for around $35 per car. Weather conditions change quickly on the mountain, often creating dramatic driving experiences with strong winds and limited visibility at the summit. Many visitors consider earning the famous “This Car Climbed Mount Washington” bumper sticker as much of an achievement as reaching the top itself.
Key Details:
- Cost: $35+ per vehicle
- Distance: 7.8 miles to summit
- Elevation: 6,288 feet
- Season: Weather-dependent operations
The road has operated since 1861, making it America’s oldest man-made tourist attraction. Drivers should prepare for steep grades and narrow sections that can feel intimidating, especially when weather rolls in unexpectedly.
1. Cross-Country Road Trip on I-80
Interstate 80 stretches nearly 2,900 miles from San Francisco to New Jersey, making it one of America’s most ambitious cross-country driving routes. This epic journey takes travelers through multiple states, capital cities, and diverse landscapes across the American heartland.
The Financial Reality A complete I-80 road trip typically requires:
- Gas costs: $400-600 depending on vehicle efficiency
- Accommodations: $600+ for hotels along the route
- Food and miscellaneous: $300-500
What to Expect The route passes through dramatically different terrain. Wyoming offers wide-open spaces, while Nevada presents expansive desert landscapes. The Midwest showcases endless agricultural fields, particularly through Iowa and Nebraska. Many travelers find the journey tests their patience — especially during long stretches through sparsely populated areas.
Roadside attractions along I-80 provide necessary breaks from monotonous highway driving. Quirky truck stops and local diners become highlights when hours blur together on straight, flat roads.
Timing Considerations There’s no bad time of year to travel I-80, though winter snow can complicate driving conditions and close some attractions. The abundance of major cities and fellow travelers ensures services remain available year-round.
Many drivers discover that flying to specific destinations proves more efficient than spending multiple days crossing the continent by car, especially when factoring in time, costs, and comfort.
