The 16 Most Scenic U.S. National Byways for an Unforgettable Road Trip (Even More Stunning Than Highway 1)

When most travelers think of iconic American road trips, California’s Highway 1 often comes to mind. While Highway 1 offers stunning coastal views, the U.S. has an even richer selection of scenic drives that traverse mountains, deserts, forests, and glaciers. These 16 national scenic byways promise breathtaking landscapes, hidden gems, and unforgettable road-trip experiences. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, adventure seeker, or simply want to escape the crowds, this guide will help you plan the ultimate American road trip in 2026.

What Is the National Scenic Byways System?

The National Scenic Byways Program is a U.S. government initiative, managed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), that recognizes roads across the country for their outstanding scenic, historic, cultural, natural, recreational, or archaeological qualities. These roads are called National Scenic Byways or, if they meet the highest standards, All-American Roads.

The program was created in 1991 as part of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) to promote tourism, preserve cultural and natural resources, and support economic development in local communities along these routes.

Criteria for Designation

To be designated as a National Scenic Byway, a road must exhibit at least one “intrinsic quality”:

  1. Scenic – Exceptional natural beauty, landscapes, or viewpoints.

  2. Historic – Places of historical significance, such as battlefields or historic towns.

  3. Cultural – Traditions, arts, and lifestyles of the people living along the route.

  4. Natural – Unique ecosystems, wildlife habitats, or geological formations.

  5. Recreational – Opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, or boating.

  6. Archaeological – Sites of important prehistoric or historic human activity.

All-American Roads must possess multiple intrinsic qualities and be considered a destination in itself, attracting visitors from across the country.

Benefits of the System

  • Preservation: Helps protect scenic landscapes, historic sites, and cultural landmarks.

  • Tourism: Attracts travelers seeking unique road trip experiences.

  • Economic Growth: Supports local economies through tourism-related businesses.

  • Education: Promotes awareness of U.S. history, culture, and natural beauty.

In short, the National Scenic Byways System is more than just a network of roads—it’s a gateway to explore America’s most beautiful landscapes, rich history, and unique culture, making road trips unforgettable.

The 16 Most Beautiful National Scenic Byways & Highways in the U.S.

Whether you’re chasing majestic mountains, winding coastal roads, or historic landscapes, these 16 scenic highways and byways offer some of the most unforgettable road trip experiences in the U.S.

1. Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia & North Carolina)

  • Highlights: Stunning mountain views, fall foliage, hiking trails, waterfalls.

  • Length: 469 miles

  • Best Time to Go: Autumn for vibrant colors.

Image from blueridgeparkway.org, Copyright by original author

2. Pacific Coast Highway / Highway 1 (California)

  • Highlights: Ocean cliffs, beaches, Big Sur, charming coastal towns.

  • Length: 655 miles

  • Best Time to Go: Spring or summer for clear skies.

Image from visitcalifornia.com, Copyright by original author

3. Route 66 (Illinois to California)

  • Highlights: Historic landmarks, vintage diners, roadside attractions.

  • Length: 2,448 miles

  • Best Time to Go: Spring or fall for mild weather.

Image from visittheusa.com, Copyright by original author

4. Going-to-the-Sun Road (Montana)

  • Highlights: Glacier National Park, high mountain passes, wildlife.

  • Length: 50 miles

  • Best Time to Go: Summer (late June–September).

Image from unsplash.com, Copyright by Nikolay Maslov

5. Natchez Trace Parkway (Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee)

  • Highlights: Historic trail, forests, rivers, and Civil War landmarks.

  • Length: 444 miles

  • Best Time to Go: Spring or fall for cooler temperatures.

Image from nps.gov, Copyright by Marc Muench

6. Trail Ridge Road (Colorado)

  • Highlights: High-altitude Rocky Mountains, alpine tundra, scenic overlooks.

  • Length: 48 miles

  • Best Time to Go: Summer, snow-free months.

Image from wikipedia.org, Copyright by Rationalobserver

7. Kancamagus Highway (New Hampshire)

  • Highlights: White Mountains, rivers, and famous fall foliage.

  • Length: 34 miles

  • Best Time to Go: Autumn (late September–October).

Image from kancamagushighway.com, Copyright by original author

8. Million Dollar Highway (Colorado)

  • Highlights: Rocky Mountain scenery, steep cliffs, historic towns.

  • Length: 25 miles (part of US 550)

  • Best Time to Go: Summer to early fall.

Image from colorado.com, Copyright by original author

9. Beartooth Highway (Montana & Wyoming)

  • Highlights: Glacier-carved peaks, alpine lakes, wildlife.

  • Length: 68 miles

  • Best Time to Go: Summer (late June–September).

Image from unsplash.com, Copyright by craig kerwien

10. Cherohala Skyway (North Carolina & Tennessee)

  • Highlights: Mountain vistas, fall colors, waterfalls, hiking trails.

  • Length: 43 miles

  • Best Time to Go: Fall or spring.

Image from tailofthedragon.com, Copyright by original author

11. Highway 12 – Utah Scenic Byway

  • Highlights: Red rock canyons, Bryce Canyon, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

  • Length: 124 miles

  • Best Time to Go: Spring or fall.

Image from utah.com, Copyright by original author

12. Overseas Highway (Florida Keys)

  • Highlights: Ocean views, tropical islands, bridges connecting the Keys.

  • Length: 113 miles

  • Best Time to Go: Winter or early spring.

Image from visitfloridakeys.com, Copyright by original author

13. Great River Road (Along the Mississippi River)

  • Highlights: River views, historic towns, wildlife refuges.

  • Length: 3,000 miles (spans 10 states)

  • Best Time to Go: Spring for blooming flowers.

Image from experiencemississippiriver.com, Copyright by original author

14. Scenic Byway 163 – Monument Valley (Utah & Arizona)

  • Highlights: Iconic desert landscapes, mesas, and buttes.

  • Length: 17 miles (through Monument Valley)

  • Best Time to Go: Sunset for epic photography.

Image from utah.com, Copyright by original author

15. Hana Highway (Maui, Hawaii)

  • Highlights: Tropical waterfalls, coastal cliffs, lush rainforests.

  • Length: 64 miles

  • Best Time to Go: Year-round, early morning to avoid traffic.

Image from roadtohana.com, Copyright by original author

16. Seward Highway (Alaska)

  • Highlights: Fjords, glaciers, and abundant wildlife.

  • Length: 127 miles

  • Best Time to Go: Summer months ( June–September).

Image from alaska.org, Copyright by original author

Other Scenic U.S. National Byways Worth Exploring

Scenic Byway State(s) Highlights Approx. Length Best Time to Visit
San Juan Skyway Colorado Alpine peaks, historic mining towns, fall foliage 236 mi Sep–Oct
Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway Oregon Volcanic lakes, lava fields, mountain scenery 66 mi Jul–Sep
Hells Canyon Scenic Byway Oregon, Idaho Deep river gorge, rugged wilderness 218 mi May–Sep
Peak to Peak Scenic Byway Colorado Rocky Mountains, wildflowers, mountain towns 55 mi Jun–Oct
Historic Columbia River Highway Oregon Waterfalls, river gorge, historic bridges 75 mi Apr–Jun
Talimena Scenic Drive Oklahoma, Arkansas Ouachita Mountains, fall colors 54 mi Oct
Flint Hills Scenic Byway Kansas Tallgrass prairie, rolling hills, open skies 47 mi May–Jun
Red Rock Scenic Byway Nevada Red sandstone cliffs, desert landscapes 13 mi Mar–May
Door County Coastal Byway Wisconsin Lake Michigan shoreline, lighthouses 66 mi Jun–Oct
Great Lakes Circle Tour Multi-state Freshwater coasts, cliffs, scenic towns 6,500+ mi Jun–Sep

Tips for Maximizing Your Scenic Drive Experience

A scenic highway isn’t about getting from point A to point B—it’s about how you travel, what you notice, and how deeply you experience the landscape. These tips will help you turn a beautiful drive into an unforgettable one.

1. Drive Slow & Embrace the Journey

Scenic byways are designed for enjoyment, not speed.

  • Drive below the speed limit when safe

  • Use pull-offs and overlooks frequently

  • Let faster traffic pass

The slower you go, the more details you’ll notice.

2. Time Your Drive for the Best Light

  • Early Morning: Fewer cars, wildlife activity, soft golden light

  • Late Afternoon / Sunset: Dramatic shadows, richer colors

  • Avoid Midday: Harsh light flattens landscapes and crowds are heavier

Golden hour alone can completely change how a road feels.

3. Plan Key Stops—but Leave Room for Serendipity

  • Research must-see viewpoints in advance

  • Mark scenic turnouts and short trails on offline maps

  • Leave extra time for unexpected photo stops or local discoveries

Some of the best moments are unplanned.

4. Step Out of the Car Whenever Possible

A scenic drive is more immersive when you engage all your senses.

  • Take short hikes or nature walks

  • Listen to the wind, waves, or wildlife

  • Breathe in the landscape—literally

Even a 10-minute stop can elevate the entire drive.

5. Use the Right Vehicle

  • Smaller cars: Easier pull-offs and better visibility

  • AWD or high-clearance: Ideal for mountain or shoulder-season drives

  • Avoid oversized RVs on narrow or cliffside roads

The right vehicle reduces stress and increases enjoyment.

6. Pack Like a Pro

Always keep these within reach:

  • Water and snacks

  • Sunglasses and sunscreen

  • Layers (weather changes fast on scenic routes)

  • Camera or phone with extra storage

  • Offline maps and a power bank

Preparation keeps the focus on scenery, not logistics.

7. Respect the Road & the Landscape

  • Use designated turnouts only

  • Stay on marked trails

  • Never approach wildlife

  • Leave no trace

Preserving these routes ensures future travelers can enjoy them too.

8. Talk to Locals & Visitor Centers

  • Ask about seasonal highlights and road conditions

  • Learn about history, geology, and wildlife

  • Discover lesser-known viewpoints

Local insight often beats online research.

9. Choose Quality Over Quantity

It’s better to fully enjoy one scenic highway than rush through three.

  • Build in buffer time

  • Avoid tight schedules

  • Let the road set the pace

Scenic drives reward patience.

10. Disconnect to Truly Connect

  • Silence notifications

  • Skip the rush to post photos

  • Be present in the moment

Some views are best enjoyed without a screen.

Packing & Preparation Checklist for Scenic Road Trips

Proper preparation makes the difference between a stressful drive and a truly unforgettable scenic journey. Use this checklist to stay safe, comfortable, and focused on the views—not the problems.

Essential Documents

  • Driver’s license (valid in the U.S.)

  • Rental car agreement & insurance info

  • Passport (for international travelers)

  • Offline copies of reservations and maps

Vehicle Preparation

  • Full tank of gas before entering remote areas

  • Tire pressure & spare tire checked

  • Windshield washer fluid topped up

  • Emergency roadside kit (jack, jumper cables)

  • Snow chains or winter tires (if seasonal)

Navigation & Tech

  • Offline maps downloaded (Google Maps, Maps.me)

  • Phone car mount

  • Power bank or car charger

  • Dash cam (optional but helpful)

Safety & Emergency Gear

  • First-aid kit

  • Flashlight or headlamp

  • Reflective vest or roadside triangles

  • Emergency blanket

  • Whistle (for wilderness areas)

Clothing & Personal Gear

  • Weather-appropriate layers (even in summer)

  • Waterproof jacket

  • Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots

  • Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen

  • Gloves (for cold or high-altitude routes)

Food & Hydration

  • Refillable water bottles

  • High-energy snacks (nuts, protein bars)

  • Picnic blanket or compact chair (optional)

Photography & Memory Gear

  • Camera or smartphone with extra storage

  • Extra batteries or memory cards

  • Lens cloth

  • Binoculars (great for wildlife viewing)

Comfort & Convenience

  • Tissues and wet wipes

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Trash bags (Leave No Trace)

  • Travel pillow (for passengers)

Optional but Smart Add-Ons

  • Bear spray (where permitted and recommended)

  • Small cooler

  • Notebook or travel journal

  • National park pass (America the Beautiful Pass)

Final Pre-Drive Checklist

✔️ Check weather & road conditions
✔️ Tell someone your route & ETA
✔️ Set realistic daily driving limits
✔️ Save emergency contacts offline

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Do scenic byways cost money?

A: Most are free, but national parks require entry fees.

Q2: What if there's no signal?

A: Download offline maps and carry physical ones.

Q3: Need to book lodging ahead?

A: Yes, in peak seasons like summer or fall foliage.

Q4: How many scenic roads are there in the US?

A: No official count, but it includes famous ones like Highway 1 and Route 66, plus state and park roads.

Q5: Can you do all 16 in one trip?

A: It’s possible but would take several months. Most travelers focus on regions.

If you think Highway 1 is the pinnacle of American road trips, these 16 scenic byways will completely redefine your expectations. From towering mountains to deserts that feel like another planet, the U.S. offers unmatched diversity for road-trippers. Pack your bags, hit the road, and discover the hidden masterpieces of America’s highways.