What Are the Best Scenic Drives in the United States?

When the open road calls—or you simply need an escape from the stress of daily life—it’s hard to beat a scenic road trip. The best scenic drives aren’t just about traveling to a specific destination, they’re also about taking some time to enjoy the journey, and all that it has to offer. Lets dive into some of the most scenic and certainly the best road trips in the USA.

What Is the #1 Scenic Drive in the USA?

Beartooth Highway in Montana and Wyoming is often hailed as the #1 scenic drive in the USA, renowned for its breathtaking vistas and exhilarating route. This highway offers a mix of some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes you can experience from the comfort of your Escape Camper Van, making it a must-visit for any travel enthusiast. Known for its dramatic ascents and panoramas, each bend in this iconic highway reveals another stunning view, from snow-capped peaks to vast alpine plateaus.

Introduction to Beartooth Highway

The Beartooth Highway stretches for approximately 68 miles between Red Lodge, Montana, and the northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park. This remarkable route climbs over 10,000 feet, taking travelers through some of the most pristine parts of the Northern Rockies. Often dubbed as the “Highway to the Sky”, it features winding switchbacks and endless scenic turnouts perfect for capturing unforgettable moments. This highway is not only a journey through the heart of America’s rugged landscape but also an exploration through some of its most remote and untouched regions.

Unique Features of the Drive

What sets the Beartooth Highway apart are its unique geological features and the sheer diversity of ecosystems it traverses. From dense forests and glacial lakes to rugged mountain tops and tundra landscapes, this drive offers a microcosm of the Rockies’ natural beauty. Wildlife spotting opportunities abound, with frequent sightings of mountain goats, marmots, and even the occasional bear, oh my! Not to be missed are the numerous hiking trails accessible from the highway, offering deeper exploration of the area’s natural splendor.

Best Time of Year to Visit

Timing your trip to the Beartooth Highway is crucial, as the road is only open for a short season due to snow. Typically, it opens by late May and is accessible until mid-October. Summer is the most popular time, providing clear skies and vibrant wildflower displays. However, the early Fall months offer a stunning palette of autumnal hues that blanket the vast mountain landscapes, providing a picturesque backdrop for your drive. 

No matter when you visit, the Beartooth Highway promises an unforgettable road trip experience that captures the essence of America’s natural grandeur.

What Is the Most Beautiful Road Trip in the USA?

One of the most beautiful and iconic road trips in the USA is traveling along Route 66. Known as the “Mother Road”, Route 66 epitomizes the quintessential American road trip experience. Stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica, it covers a vast 2,448 miles, offering travelers a diverse array of landscapes, cultures, and histories waiting to be explored.

Historic Significance of Route 66

The journey along Route 66 is not just a trip through the heart of America but a travel back in time. Established in 1926, Route 66 played a crucial role in American history as a major path for migrants heading west during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s. Today, it is celebrated for its nostalgic allure of old diners, neon signs, and retro motels. Much of the road’s charm comes from these vintage artifacts and the stories behind them, offering an authentic glimpse into the evolution of American road travel.

Geographical Diversity Along the Route

Route 66 is nothing short of mesmerizing. As you embark on this road trip, you’ll traverse a mosaic of landscapes, from the agricultural plains of Illinois to the arid deserts of Arizona. 

Along the way, each state showcases its own unique beauty; you’ll find yourself moving through bustling cities, quaint rural towns, and breathtaking natural landscapes. The iconic stops include the luscious forests of the Ozarks, the striking rock formations in New Mexico, and the picturesque cliffs lining California’s coast.

Must-See Stops and Attractions

While every mile of Route 66 has its own story, some stops are simply unmissable. They include The Blue Whale in Catoosa, Oklahoma, which delights with its large façade and quirky history. In Winslow, Arizona, travelers often stand on the corner, immortalized by the Eagles‘ song, while the Grand Canyon is just a short detour off Route 66 offering stunning vistas that promise to take your breath away. Additionally, exploring the ghost towns scattered along the route adds an enchanting, eerie flavor to this legendary road trip.

Route 66 offers a rich tapestry of American life. Combining a diverse mix of stunning landscapes, historical monuments, and cultural landmarks with a fully-equipped Escape Camper Van promises a remarkable journey of discovery and adventure around every turn.

What Are Some of the Best Scenic Routes to Drive?

Embarking on a scenic drive is one of the most enchanting ways to explore the vast beauty across the US. With countless routes to discover, each offering its own unique charm, choosing the best scenic route can be quite a challenge. While there’s a plethora of options depending on what landscapes lure you—beaches, mountains, forests, and more—certain routes have gained iconic status among travel enthusiasts for their breathtaking vistas and unforgettable experiences.

Overview of Popular Scenic Routes

America boasts an array of scenic highways that take you through some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes nature has to offer. From the winding paths of the Pacific Coast Highway in California to the historical charm of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia and North Carolina, each route is a journey into the heart of America’s natural splendor. 

The full Top 20 scenic drives list includes gems like the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Montana, the Great River Road following the Mississippi, and the awe-inspiring landscape of Utah’s Scenic Byway 12.

Comparison of the Top Scenic Drives

When it comes to choosing the best drive, it often boils down to the kind of vistas and adventures you’re seeking. The Pacific Coast Highway offers majestic ocean views and quaint coastal towns, while the Blue Ridge Parkway is famed for its rich Appalachian culture and vibrant autumn styles. 

The Going-to-the-Sun Road is a must for those captivated by rugged mountains and glaciers. Those looking for diverse landscapes might favor a drive along Utah’s Scenic Byway 12, where you’ll encounter everything from red rock deserts to lush forests.

Selection Criteria for a Scenic Drive

Selecting your ideal scenic route involves considering what makes a drive stand out for you. Key criteria include natural beauty, historical and cultural significance, seasons, and personal interests. 

For those who love history, routes like Skyline Drive in Virginia, winding through Civil War sites, offer a mix of natural beauty and historical intrigue. If you’re aiming for a family road trip, routes with plenty of activities, such as the Overseas Highway to the Florida Keys, provide endless adventure.

At Escape Camper Vans, we understand that finding the perfect route is crucial to an unforgettable road trip. That’s why our camper van rentals are ideal for hitting these roads with all the comfort and convenience you need to truly enjoy every mile. So pack your bags, choose your route, and unlock the gateway to America’s most stunning landscapes.

What Is the Most Beautiful Road Trip in the USA?

When it comes to experiencing the breathtaking beauty of the USA, taking a road trip stands as one of the most popular ways to see the diverse landscapes this country has to offer. Among these adventures, the title of the most beautiful road trip is often bestowed upon those routes that offer the most stunning and varied natural landscapes.

Description of the Pacific Coast Highway

The Pacific Coast Highway, stretching along the coast of California, promises awe-inspiring views of the Pacific Ocean, making it a top contender for the most scenic drive. This iconic route not only offers incredible coastal vistas but also introduces travelers to charming coastal towns and the majestic Big Sur, known for its dramatic cliffs and serene beaches.

Overview of Skyline Drive in Virginia

Skyline Drive, nestled within Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park, is a picturesque route famous for its exceptional fall foliage. This 105-mile road is an enchanting drive that meanders through the Blue Ridge Mountains. Whether you’re visiting in the spring, summer, or fall, the vibrant colors and rich wildlife along this route create a remarkable experience.

Exploration of the Blue Ridge Parkway

Often referred to as America’s Favorite Drive, the Blue Ridge Parkway is another quintessential American road trip. Connecting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina to the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, this 469-mile scenic byway is celebrated for its lush green panoramas, misty topography, and intriguing trailheads, offering numerous opportunities for hiking and exploration.

Highlights of the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Montana

Located in Glacier National Park, Montana, the Going-to-the-Sun Road is one of the most dramatic drives in the United States. As the road ascends through the heart of the park, drivers are treated to soaring mountain vistas, glacial lakes, and the sight of abundant wildlife. This journey across the Continental Divide provides some of the most picturesque settings imaginable.

Embarking on any of these breathtaking road trips is an excellent way to discover the USA’s natural beauty. Whether you’re venturing the serene Pacific Coast or exploring the majestic Going-to-the-Sun Road, these routes offer a journey filled with endless scenic wonders, eagerly waiting for any travel enthusiast behind the wheel of an Escape Camper Van to begin their unforgettable adventure.

What Is the Prettiest State to Drive Through?

When it comes to the prettiest state to drive through, it often comes down to personal preferences, but California and Oregon are consistently at the top of the list for many travel enthusiasts. Their diverse landscapes, from coastline to mountains, offer some of the most breathtaking views in the United States.

Factors that Make a State Scenic

Several factors contribute to a state being considered scenic. These include diverse and dramatic landscapes, accessible highways that offer expansive views, and a blend of natural and man-made attractions. A state with varied topography, from mountains to beaches and forests, provides a unique driving experience in every season.

Highlight of States Like California and Oregon

California is renowned for its stunning coastlines, particularly along Highway 1, where travelers can experience everything from the rugged Big Sur cliffs to the serene beauty of the Mendocino coast. Inland, the state offers majestic sites like Yosemite National Park and the vast, other-worldly landscapes of the Mojave Desert.

Oregon, meanwhile, is a paradise for nature lovers, with its dense forests, breathtaking waterfalls, and the dramatic Crater Lake. The state’s varied climates and topographies make for an ever-changing road trip experience, particularly when traveling through the Columbia River Gorge or the serene landscapes of the Oregon Coast.

Personal Recommendations

For travel enthusiasts seeking a new adventure, steering across the breathtaking expanses of these states promises an experience like no other. From winding coastal roads that hug dizzying cliff faces to tranquil drives through dense forests dripping with morning dew, every twist and turn offers something spectacular.

Embark on a road trip adventure that goes beyond the ordinary with our expertly equipped camper vans. Perfect for travel enthusiasts like you, our Escape Camper Vans invite you to embrace the road in comfort. Experience the wonders of America’s scenic states, complete with the provision of a generous daily mileage that ensures your journey remains both thrilling and financially feasible. Book your own Camper Van adventure today!