Best Scenic Drives in the USA for Car Lovers

Some roads were built to move people. Others were built to move souls. These are the scenic drives in the USA that every car enthusiast needs to experience at least once — windows down, playlist on, no rush.

The Open Road Awaits

There is nothing quite like pointing your car toward a beautiful horizon and just driving. For car lovers, the road itself is the destination. The USA is home to some of the most jaw-dropping scenic drives in the world — coastal cliffs, towering mountain passes, ancient desert canyons, and thick forests that seem to go on forever.

Whether you drive a classic muscle car, a nimble sports coupe, or a loaded SUV, the right road will transform any trip into a memory you keep for life. This guide breaks down the best scenic drives in the USA by region, with honest tips so you actually enjoy every mile.

Why Scenic Drives Matter for Car Enthusiasts

A track day tests your car’s performance. A road trip tests your car’s character. Long-distance scenic drives reveal things about your vehicle — and yourself — that a highway commute never will. You feel the chassis breathe through mountain switchbacks. You hear the exhaust note bounce off canyon walls. You notice whether your suspension is set up for comfort or punishment.

Beyond the mechanical experience, these routes pass through landscapes that photos simply cannot capture. You need to be behind the wheel to truly feel them.

Top Scenic Drives in the USA Every Driver Should Know

#	Scenic Drive	State(s)	Distance	Highlights
01	Pacific Coast Highway	California	657 miles	Raw Pacific coastline, iconic ocean views, one of the most photographed driving roads in the world
02	Blue Ridge Parkway	Virginia & North Carolina	469 miles	Sweeping Appalachian mountain views, scenic ridge driving
03	Going-to-the-Sun Road	Montana	50 miles	Glacier-carved landscapes, dramatic mountain scenery
04	U.S. Route 550	Colorado	25 miles	Thrilling San Juan Mountain curves, dramatic cliffside driving
05	U.S. Route 50	Nevada	287 miles	Vast Great Basin emptiness, remote desert adventure
06	U.S. Route 66	Multi-State	2,400 miles	Classic American road trip, historic roadside culture, Chicago to Santa Monica

A Closer Look at the Best Routes

Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) — California

The PCH runs the length of the California coast, weaving between Big Sur cliffs, sleepy beach towns, and dramatic sea stacks. The stretch between San Luis Obispo and Monterey is arguably the finest 90 miles of driving in North America. Road surfaces are generally good, but narrow sections near Big Sur require full attention. This route rewards drivers who are willing to stop often — pull-offs and viewpoints are everywhere.

Best car for this road: anything low-slung and rear-wheel drive. But honestly, it is gorgeous in any vehicle.

Local Tip: Drive PCH northbound (southbound traffic faces more afternoon glare and oncoming headlights at dusk). Start in San Diego and work toward San Francisco for the best light and safer sight lines.

Blue Ridge Parkway — Virginia & North Carolina

The Blue Ridge Parkway is often called America’s most beautiful road — and it earns that title in autumn, when the Appalachian ridge turns every shade of fire. The road has no commercial trucks and a 45 mph speed limit, which is actually perfect. You are not meant to rush it.

The parkway is accessible at dozens of entry points, so you can drive the full 469 miles or just a regional section. Highlights include Craggy Gardens, Linville Falls, and the final descent into the Great Smoky Mountains.

Going-to-the-Sun Road — Montana

This one is short but deeply intense. At 6,646 feet, Logan Pass is the crown of the route, flanked by glaciers and mountain goats. The road is only open roughly late June through mid-October — snow closes it the rest of the year. Wider vehicles (over 21 feet long or 8 feet wide) are restricted past certain gates, so plan accordingly.

Vehicle Size Restriction: Vehicles wider than 8 feet or longer than 21 feet (including tow vehicles) may not pass the Avalanche Creek or the Sun Point entrance. Check Glacier National Park’s official website before you go.

Million Dollar Highway — Colorado

US Route 550 between Ouray and Silverton is not for the faint-hearted. It climbs to over 11,000 feet, hugs sheer cliff edges, and has almost no guardrails on the most exposed sections. That is by design — guardrails would block snow plows in winter. The views of the San Juan Mountains are unlike anything else in the lower 48. Drive it in a well-maintained vehicle with good tires and full brakes. Downhill is especially demanding.

Best Time of Year to Drive These Routes

Route	Best Season	Things to Watch For
Pacific Coast Highway	Spring & Fall	Fog in summer mornings; landslides after heavy rain
Blue Ridge Parkway	Mid-September – November	Sections close for ice in winter
Going-to-the-Sun Road	Late June – mid-October	Closed by snow outside these months
Million Dollar Highway	June – September	Winter closures; avalanche risk in shoulder season
Route 66	Spring & Fall	Desert heat in summer; some service gaps in rural sections

Road Trip Prep Tips for Car Lovers

The best scenic drives in the USA can also expose mechanical weaknesses. Before you leave, do a proper pre-trip inspection.

Tires first. Check tread depth and pressure, including the spare. Mountain routes are brutal on underinflated tires.
Brakes matter most on descents. Have your brake pads and rotors inspected before tackling routes like the Million Dollar Highway. Warped rotors on a 10,000-foot descent are no joke.
Coolant level and hoses. High-altitude climbs stress your cooling system. Top off coolant and check for cracked hoses before you go.
Fuel range awareness. On Nevada’s US-50 and parts of Route 66, gas stations can be 80–100 miles apart. Know your tank range. Carry a small reserve if your range is tight.
Download offline maps. Cell service disappears in Big Sur, the Rockies, and rural Nevada. Google Maps and Apple Maps both support offline download.
Carry a basic roadside kit. Jump leads, a tire inflation pump, reflective triangles, and a flashlight. On remote roads, you may wait hours for help.

Car Care Note: Mountain driving with heavy engine load can thin your engine oil faster than normal highway driving. If your service interval is approaching, get an oil change before a long mountain route — not after.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most famous scenic drive in the USA?

Pacific Coast Highway in California is widely considered the most iconic. It combines dramatic ocean cliffs, redwood forests, beach towns, and over 600 miles of coastline in one continuous route. Blue Ridge Parkway is a close second for sheer beauty.

Which scenic drive is best for sports car drivers?

The Million Dollar Highway in Colorado is a favourite among enthusiast drivers for its elevation, tight switchbacks, and complete lack of guardrails. Pacific Coast Highway is a better choice for those who want beauty over challenge. Both reward a vehicle with sharp steering and confidence-inspiring brakes.

Can I drive these routes in a standard sedan or hatchback?

Yes, for most of them. PCH, Blue Ridge Parkway, and Route 66 are perfectly accessible in any road car. Going-to-the-Sun Road has vehicle size restrictions but welcomes standard passenger cars. The Million Dollar Highway is fine in any car as long as the driver is comfortable on narrow, high-altitude mountain roads.

How long does it take to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway end-to-end?

The full 469 miles takes most drivers 3 to 5 days at a relaxed pace with stops. The 45 mph speed limit and numerous pull-offs mean you will want extra time. Trying to rush the entire parkway in one day misses the whole point of the road.

Is Route 66 still drivable today?

About 85 percent of the original alignment is still intact and drivable. Some sections have been decommissioned or bypassed by interstate highways, but detailed Route 66 maps — available from the National Historic Route 66 Federation — guide you through the surviving sections. It is very much worth doing.

What should I pack for a long scenic road trip?

Beyond standard luggage: a tire inflation pump, jumper cables, extra water, a paper map as backup, sunscreen (especially on open desert or coastal routes), and a phone car mount. If you are driving mountain routes, a windscreen ice scraper is wise in shoulder seasons, even in summer.