Photos show the most scenic road to drive in every state
Amy Daire,Talia Lakritz
![Photos show the most scenic road to drive in every state](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstaticbiassets.in%2Fthumb%2Fmsid-111697543%2Cwidth-700%2Cheight-525%2Cimgsize-66086%2Fphotos-show-the-most-scenic-road-to-drive-in-every-state.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
- If you're thinking of taking a road trip this summer, there's a must-see road in every state.
- Among them, Florida's Oversea Highway offers scenic views of piercing blue waters.
The American Automobile Association, or AAA, is expecting record-high numbers of summer road trips in 2024, with over 75% of American adults planning to hit the road for vacation this summer, according to a survey conducted by The Vacationer.
US gas prices have decreased to a national average of $3.538 as of July 12 after soaring to an average of $4.059 per gallon in 2022, making long drives more affordable for consumers.
WalletHub named Texas the best state for summer road trips, but all 50 states offer scenic drives. Take a look at the prettiest road to drive in every state.
ALABAMA: State Road 9
![ALABAMA: State Road 9](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-111697802,width-700,height-525,imgsize-482054/alabama-state-road-9.jpg)
Driving through Talladega National Forest along State Road 9 will give you bucolic views of tree-covered hills and small mountains, Alabama Byways reported. There are also several small side roads off the highway that lead to waterfalls and walking trails.
ALASKA: Alaska Route 3
![ALASKA: Alaska Route 3](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-111697798,width-700,height-525,imgsize-963948/alaska-alaska-route-3.jpg)
Denali National Park is known for being home to North America's tallest peak. Driving on Interstate A-3 offers stunning views of the mountains, wildlife, and greenery throughout the park.
ARIZONA: The Apache Trail
![ARIZONA: The Apache Trail](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-111697795,width-700,height-525,imgsize-887196/arizona-the-apache-trail.jpg)
The Apache Trail is one of Arizona's oldest highways. The partially unpaved drive takes you through stunning canyons, desert scenes, and geologic formations just outside of Phoenix.
A 5-mile section of the road has been closed since 2019 due to damage from a wildfire, AZ Central reported.
ARKANSAS: The Pig Trail Scenic Byway
![ARKANSAS: The Pig Trail Scenic Byway](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-111697793,width-700,height-525,imgsize-834998/arkansas-the-pig-trail-scenic-byway.jpg)
The Pig Trail Scenic Byway takes you through canopies of greenery in spring and summer and stunning fall foliage in autumn. The road winds its way through the Ozark Mountains and is a favorite among motorcyclists, according to the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism.
CALIFORNIA: The Pacific Coast Highway
![CALIFORNIA: The Pacific Coast Highway](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-111697790,width-700,height-525,imgsize-257880/california-the-pacific-coast-highway.jpg)
The Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most famous drives in the world, and for good reason. The cliffside drive on State Route 1 offers epic vistas and stunning views of the Pacific, and if you take the road long enough, you'll pass the famous redwoods and the Golden Gate Bridge.
COLORADO: The Trail Ridge Road
![COLORADO: The Trail Ridge Road](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-111697787,width-700,height-525,imgsize-653020/colorado-the-trail-ridge-road.jpg)
The Trail Ridge Road through Rocky Mountain National Park was specifically designed for optimal views — drivers and passengers can enjoy stunning panoramas from every turn.
CONNECTICUT: Route 169
![CONNECTICUT: Route 169](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-111697783,width-700,height-525,imgsize-1007066/connecticut-route-169.jpg)
There are several back roads, interstates, and byways that show off Connecticut's incredible autumn colors, but Route 169 might be the best. The small, two-lane road passes through quaint towns and offers stunning views of the state's famous fall foliage.
DELAWARE: Brandywine Valley
![DELAWARE: Brandywine Valley](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-111697780,width-700,height-525,imgsize-427014/delaware-brandywine-valley.jpg)
Delaware's Brandywine Valley along the I-95 corridor makes for a unique road trip by offering a glimpse into history. The 1777 Battle of the Brandywine took place in its rolling hills when George Washington and his army faced British General William Howe, National Geographic reported. It is also dotted with picture-perfect mansions and gardens.
FLORIDA: The Overseas Highway
![FLORIDA: The Overseas Highway](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-111697777,width-700,height-525,imgsize-326430/florida-the-overseas-highway.jpg)
To get to the southernmost point of the continental US you have to take Florida's Seven Mile Bridge to The Keys. You'll be surrounded by piercing blue water for your entire drive on the Overseas Highway.
GEORGIA: US 41
![GEORGIA: US 41](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-111697775,width-700,height-525,imgsize-2338952/georgia-us-41.jpg)
The Cohutta-Chattahoochee Scenic Byway travels along several roads, the best of which is US 41. The route takes drivers through Chattahoochee National Forest and offers can't-miss views of the Cohutta Mountains, according to the scenic byway's official website.
HAWAII: Hana Highway
![HAWAII: Hana Highway](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-111697772,width-700,height-525,imgsize-1259100/hawaii-hana-highway.jpg)
The Hana Highway in Hawaii is another one of America's most iconic roads. The coastal highway takes over 600 twists and turns along the outskirts of Maui, according to Hawaii Guide. You'll see waterfalls, rainforests, and dramatic cliff sides.
IDAHO: Sawtooth Scenic Byway
![IDAHO: Sawtooth Scenic Byway](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-111697771,width-700,height-525,imgsize-825856/idaho-sawtooth-scenic-byway.jpg)
The Sawtooth Scenic Byway takes cars driving northbound on State Highway 75 into Sun Valley, a region famous for its many resorts and its white-capped mountains, according to the Idaho Department of Commerce.
ILLINOIS: Lake Shore Drive
![ILLINOIS: Lake Shore Drive](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-111697770,width-700,height-525,imgsize-70260/illinois-lake-shore-drive.jpg)
Chicago traffic may be a bit tedious, but Lake Shore Drive will offer a view like no other. With the big cityscape on one side and the Lake Michigan shoreline on the other, you'll get the best of both worlds.
INDIANA: Highway 36
![INDIANA: Highway 36](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-111697768,width-700,height-525,imgsize-2177818/indiana-highway-36.jpg)
Parke County is the covered bridge capital of the world, and takes a lot of pride in its 31 covered bridges, many of which are from the 1800s, according to the Parke County Convention and Visitors Commission. Highway 36 is the perfect road from which to explore this historic infrastructure.
IOWA: Loess Hills, Interstate 29
![IOWA: Loess Hills, Interstate 29](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-111697765,width-700,height-525,imgsize-1971436/iowa-loess-hills-interstate-29.jpg)
Iowa's vast plains might seem repetitive, but Loess Hills along Interstate 29 gives drivers a unique look into rural America. The route is dotted with small towns, state forests, and museums, according to a guide published by the Iowa Legislature and Golden Hills Resource Conservation and Development.
KANSAS: Interstate 70
![KANSAS: Interstate 70](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-111697762,width-700,height-525,imgsize-1905340/kansas-interstate-70.jpg)
Kansas' Castle Rock is an off-road attraction just off the seemingly endless Interstate 70. The small detour offers some much-needed excitement if you're on a cross-state road trip through the plains.
KENTUCKY: Route 77
![KENTUCKY: Route 77](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-111697758,width-700,height-525,imgsize-2625258/kentucky-route-77.jpg)
One of the best parts of Route 77 in Kentucky is the 900-foot, one-lane Nada Tunnel, according to the travel guide website Hiking in the Smokeys.
LOUISIANA: Bourbon Street
![LOUISIANA: Bourbon Street](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-111697755,width-700,height-525,imgsize-704010/louisiana-bourbon-street.jpg)
Bourbon Street in New Orleans is one of the most iconic streets in the world. You can easily drive through it during the day, but be wary of party-goers and tourists at night.
MAINE: Park Loop Road
![MAINE: Park Loop Road](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-111697753,width-700,height-525,imgsize-1329342/maine-park-loop-road.jpg)
Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park is a 27-mile drive along the coast and through the park, which takes fall foliage to a new level every autumn.
MARYLAND: Old Frederick Road
![MARYLAND: Old Frederick Road](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-111697748,width-700,height-525,imgsize-3030148/maryland-old-frederick-road.jpg)
The Loys Station bridge is a historic, 90-foot-long covered bridge that you can still drive through, according to the Tourism Council of Frederick County. It's located on Old Frederick Road just south of Route 77.
MASSACHUSETTS: Route 6
![MASSACHUSETTS: Route 6](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-111697744,width-700,height-525,imgsize-1068214/massachusetts-route-6.jpg)
Massachusetts' Route 6 starts at the very tip of cozy Cape Cod. The road takes drivers through the southern part of the state until it reaches Providence, Rhode Island.
MICHIGAN: M-77
![MICHIGAN: M-77](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-111697741,width-700,height-525,imgsize-2742654/michigan-m-77.jpg)
Taking M-77 into Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore will lead straight to the south shore of Lake Superior. The relaxing drive will provide a bright, colorful scene during the spring and summertime, or a deep cascade of orange and red hues in the fall.
MINNESOTA: US 10
![MINNESOTA: US 10](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-111697737,width-700,height-525,imgsize-942424/minnesota-us-10.jpg)
US 10 in Minnesota takes you through a variety of landscapes. It's part of the Great River Road, which offers stunning views of the Mississippi River before continuing into Minneapolis, where you can see the state's grandest city skyline.
MISSISSIPPI: Great River Road
![MISSISSIPPI: Great River Road](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-111697730,width-700,height-525,imgsize-337882/mississippi-great-river-road.jpg)
For scenic views of the Mississippi River, take the aptly named Great River Road. It'll drive you over, under, and alongside the river until Minnesota if you stay on it long enough.
MISSOURI: Route 66
![MISSOURI: Route 66](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-111697728,width-700,height-525,imgsize-1062302/missouri-route-66.jpg)
The iconic Route 66 makes its way through Missouri and past a quaint town named Devil's Elbow. A rusting bridge named the Devil's Elbow Bridge takes travelers over the Big Piney River and through scenic bluffs, according to the Pulaski County Tourism Bureau.
MONTANA: Beartooth Highway
![MONTANA: Beartooth Highway](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-111697725,width-700,height-525,imgsize-1456138/montana-beartooth-highway.jpg)
Beartooth Highway makes its way into Yellowstone National Park, thus providing picturesque views of the world-famous vistas the park is internationally famous for.
NEBRASKA: Highway 61
![NEBRASKA: Highway 61](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-111697721,width-700,height-525,imgsize-420060/nebraska-highway-61.jpg)
Highway 61 in Nebraska propels drivers into true American farmland. There's not a lot of action on this drive, but it will give you a good look into the classic Midwest agricultural scene.
NEVADA: Valley of Fire Highway
![NEVADA: Valley of Fire Highway](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-111697719,width-700,height-525,imgsize-758270/nevada-valley-of-fire-highway.jpg)
The Valley of Fire Highway travels through the Mojave Desert for a little over 10 miles. The fiery red formations are a stunning sight, and several parking areas are available if you want to see them up close, according to Travel Nevada.
NEW HAMPSHIRE: Kancamagus Highway
![NEW HAMPSHIRE: Kancamagus Highway](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-111697716,width-700,height-525,imgsize-2316062/new-hampshire-kancamagus-highway.jpg)
New England's fall foliage is world famous. See it in all its glory on New Hampshire's Kancamagus Highway.
NEW JERSEY: Palisades Parkway
![NEW JERSEY: Palisades Parkway](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-111697714,width-700,height-525,imgsize-538388/new-jersey-palisades-parkway.jpg)
Located just over Manhattan's George Washington Bridge, the Palisades Parkway features views of New York City's famous skyline and New Jersey's scenic cliffs overlooking the Hudson River.
NEW MEXICO: The High Road To Taos
![NEW MEXICO: The High Road To Taos](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-111697711,width-700,height-525,imgsize-2708376/new-mexico-the-high-road-to-taos.jpg)
The High Road to Taos is a scenic, winding drive that runs through several small Pueblo Indian villages, according to New Mexico's Tourism Department. It offers a glimpse into the high desert and the lives of those who live in it.
NEW YORK: Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway
![NEW YORK: Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-111697707,width-700,height-525,imgsize-842616/new-york-whiteface-veterans-memorial-highway.jpg)
Driving through the Adirondacks is much more relaxing than navigating the crowded streets of the Big Apple. The Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway, also known as State Route 431, shows off the surrounding peaks as you make your way up Whiteface Mountain, according to its official website.
NORTH CAROLINA: Blue Ridge Parkway
![NORTH CAROLINA: Blue Ridge Parkway](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-111697703,width-700,height-525,imgsize-1347060/north-carolina-blue-ridge-parkway.jpg)
Visiting North Carolina without taking a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway would be a huge mistake. The Lynn Cove Viaduct, which wraps around Grandfather Mountain, is easily the best part of the entire drive.
NORTH DAKOTA: Interstate 94
![NORTH DAKOTA: Interstate 94](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-111697701,width-700,height-525,imgsize-1149592/north-dakota-interstate-94.jpg)
The endless plains of North Dakota become more dynamic at Theodore Roosevelt National Park, where the badlands begin. You can catch a glimpse of them from Interstate 94, or take a detour on one of the side roads.
OHIO: Buckeye Falls Drive
![OHIO: Buckeye Falls Drive](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-111697700,width-700,height-525,imgsize-1178624/ohio-buckeye-falls-drive.jpg)
Sharon Woods may seem like a hotspot for hiking and other outdoor activities, but it also offers a scenic drive in the fall. Cruise down the tree-lined Buckeye Falls Drive for a breathtaking break.
OKLAHOMA: Highway 49
![OKLAHOMA: Highway 49](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-111697699,width-700,height-525,imgsize-909810/oklahoma-highway-49.jpg)
Highway 49 leads right to the Wichita Mountains. Watch out for free-range buffalo, which are known to crowd the roads here, as well as other wildlife, according to the National Scenic Byway Foundation.
OREGON: US 101
![OREGON: US 101](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-111697698,width-700,height-525,imgsize-506008/oregon-us-101.jpg)
Similar to California's Pacific Coast Highway, US 101 in Oregon travels along the Pacific coast, and offers over 300 miles of seaside driving and rugged cliffs, according to Oregon.com.
PENNSYLVANIA: US Route 30
![PENNSYLVANIA: US Route 30](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-111697694,width-700,height-525,imgsize-1230842/pennsylvania-us-route-30.jpg)
US Route 30 will take you straight through several Amish and Mennonite towns and into Lancaster, one of America's oldest Amish communities. Don't be surprised if most of the traffic consists of horse-drawn carriages.
RHODE ISLAND: Ocean Drive
![RHODE ISLAND: Ocean Drive](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-111697691,width-700,height-525,imgsize-1468896/rhode-island-ocean-drive.jpg)
Ocean Drive in Newport will take you through the Ocean Drive Historic District past the many ostentatious homes built here in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when it was a favorite spot to summer for the wealthy. If your legs need a stretch, take a stroll down Cliff Walk.
SOUTH CAROLINA: Botany Bay Boulevard
![SOUTH CAROLINA: Botany Bay Boulevard](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-111697687,width-700,height-525,imgsize-1583852/south-carolina-botany-bay-boulevard.jpg)
South Carolina's Botany Bay on Edisto Island is one of the most famous roads in the South. Its canopied trees make for a stunningly shaded — and super Instagrammable — drive.
SOUTH DAKOTA: Needles Highway
![SOUTH DAKOTA: Needles Highway](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-111697681,width-700,height-525,imgsize-641376/south-dakota-needles-highway.jpg)
Needles Highway, or Highway 87, is named for the granite "needles" along its route. But be prepared to take it slow — the road, which is in Custer State Park, includes 14 miles of tunnels and turns, according to the Custer State Park Resort.
TENNESSEE: Tail of the Dragon
![TENNESSEE: Tail of the Dragon](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-111697679,width-700,height-525,imgsize-904014/tennessee-tail-of-the-dragon.jpg)
The Tail of the Dragon attracts many motorcyclists and driving enthusiasts thanks to the 318 curves that snake along the 11-mile, two-lane road, according to RoadTrippers.
TEXAS: Highway 118
![TEXAS: Highway 118](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-111697675,width-700,height-525,imgsize-1730966/texas-highway-118.jpg)
Big Bend National Park, which sits on the border of Mexico, can be seen by driving on Highway 118. You'll travel through a stone tunnel and get epic views of the Chisos Mountains.
UTAH: US Route 163
![UTAH: US Route 163](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-111697666,width-700,height-525,imgsize-2800738/utah-us-route-163.jpg)
US Route 163 is also known as the road to Monument Valley. The highway cuts straight through the center of the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park.
VERMONT: Route 100
![VERMONT: Route 100](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-111697662,width-700,height-525,imgsize-1168184/vermont-route-100.jpg)
Route 100 travels nearly the entire length of Vermont and is famous for its fall foliage.
VIRGINIA: Skyline Drive
![VIRGINIA: Skyline Drive](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-111697661,width-700,height-525,imgsize-1006180/virginia-skyline-drive.jpg)
Skyline Drive through Shenandoah National Park runs along the ridge of the mountains for 105 miles — pretty much the entire length of the park. Its views are some of the best in the state.
WASHINGTON: Olympic Peninsula Loop Drive
![WASHINGTON: Olympic Peninsula Loop Drive](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-111697658,width-700,height-525,imgsize-1205652/washington-olympic-peninsula-loop-drive.jpg)
Loop around Olympic National Park, and get breathtaking scenery that ranges from mountains to forests to the ocean, as well as several different ecosystems.
WEST VIRGINIA: New River Gorge Bridge
![WEST VIRGINIA: New River Gorge Bridge](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-111697655,width-700,height-525,imgsize-1344762/west-virginia-new-river-gorge-bridge.jpg)
The New River Gorge Bridge allows cars to continue on US 19 over the New River. The 3,030-foot bridge is the longest single-span steel arch bridge in the US, according to the National Park Service. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Appalachian Mountains.
WISCONSIN: US 61
![WISCONSIN: US 61](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-111697654,width-700,height-525,imgsize-1440648/wisconsin-us-61.jpg)
US 61 runs along the Mississippi River offering stunning views of the northern parts of the river.
There's also the Lake Superior Byway, which runs on Highway 13 and shows off Wisconsin's quaint, northernmost towns and the Lake Superior shoreline they all share.
WYOMING: Beartooth Highway
![WYOMING: Beartooth Highway](https://staticbiassets.in/thumb/msid-111697653,width-700,height-525,imgsize-2879134/wyoming-beartooth-highway.jpg)
Wyoming's section of Beartooth Highway runs on US 212 and is dotted with wildlife, mountain views, and scenic plateaus.
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