1. Pacific Coast Highway (California)
- Route: San Francisco to San Diego
- Distance: ~600 miles
The Pacific Coast Highway, also known as Highway 1, is hands-down one of the Most Gorgeous Road Trips in the world. This coastal masterpiece hugs California’s rugged shoreline, offering jaw-dropping views of cliffs plunging into the Pacific, redwood forests, and charming towns like Carmel-by-the-Sea and Santa Barbara.
Highlight: Bixby Creek Bridge and Big Sur sunsets.
2. Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia to North Carolina)
- Route: Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains
- Distance: ~469 miles
Winding through the Appalachian Highlands, the Blue Ridge Parkway is a haven for nature lovers. Especially during fall, the route explodes with color, making it a favorite for leaf-peepers and photographers alike.
Highlight: Craggy Gardens and sweeping mountain vistas.
3. Going-to-the-Sun Road (Montana)
- Route: Glacier National Park
- Distance: ~50 miles
Short but mighty, this alpine road cuts across Glacier National Park, showcasing pristine lakes, glacier-carved valleys, and snow-dusted peaks. It’s only open during summer, so plan wisely.
Highlight: Logan Pass — wildflowers, mountain goats, and panoramic glory.
4. Route 66 (Illinois to California)
- Route: Chicago to Santa Monica
- Distance: ~2,448 miles
No list of the Most Gorgeous Road Trips is complete without the legendary Route 66. It’s a nostalgic journey through Americana — think classic diners, neon signs, quirky roadside attractions, and small towns that feel frozen in time.
Highlight: Cadillac Ranch and the Painted Desert.
5. Hana Highway (Hawaii)
- Route: Kahului to Hana (Maui)
- Distance: ~64 miles
This tropical route is lush, curvy, and loaded with waterfalls, bamboo forests, and coastal views. Though it takes just a few hours to drive, you’ll want to stop frequently to soak in its natural splendor.
Highlight: Wai’anapanapa State Park and the black sand beaches.
6. Million Dollar Highway (Colorado)
- Route: Silverton to Ouray
- Distance: ~25 miles
This cliff-hugging mountain road earns its name with million-dollar views of the San Juan Mountains. It’s dramatic, thrilling, and utterly mesmerizing — but not for the faint of heart.
Highlight: Red Mountain Pass — steep, scenic, and unforgettable.
7. Great River Road (Mississippi River)
- Route: Minnesota to Louisiana
- Distance: ~2,000 miles
Tracing the path of the mighty Mississippi, this lesser-known gem passes through 10 states and delivers a diverse mix of river towns, farmland, forests, and Southern charm.
Highlight: Natchez, Mississippi and its antebellum architecture.
8. Overseas Highway (Florida Keys)
- Route: Miami to Key West
- Distance: ~113 miles
A dreamlike drive over turquoise waters, the Overseas Highway links the Florida Keys with 42 bridges — including the famous Seven Mile Bridge. It’s as close to driving on water as you’ll ever get.
Highlight: Sunset views in Islamorada and the vibrant energy of Key West.
9. Beartooth Highway (Montana/Wyoming)
- Route: Red Lodge, MT to Cooke City, WY
- Distance: ~68 miles
One of the highest roads in the U.S., Beartooth Highway climbs over 10,000 feet, unveiling rugged wilderness, alpine lakes, and panoramic switchbacks. It’s often dubbed “the most beautiful drive in America.”
Highlight: Vista Point Overlook — truly postcard-worthy.
10. Cascade Loop (Washington State)
- Route: Circular route via North Cascades, Leavenworth, and Puget Sound
- Distance: ~440 miles
The Cascade Loop combines mountain peaks, charming Bavarian-style villages, lakes, and coastal scenes — all in one unforgettable drive. It’s a true sampler of Washington’s diverse beauty.
Highlight: Diablo Lake’s emerald waters and North Cascades National Park.
Final Thoughts
Each of these Most Gorgeous Road Trips promises more than just pretty scenery — they offer stories, soul, and scenery that’s hard to forget. Whether it’s your first road trip or your fiftieth, the open road always has something new to show you. Ready to drive into beauty?
