Best Scenic Road Trips in the USA for 2024: Plan and Explore 10 Unique Road Trips

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Best Scenic Road Trips in the USA for 2024

Planning a road trip for 2024? Nothing beats the freedom of the open road, with stunning landscapes unfolding at every turn. The United States is packed with scenic drives, from coastal highways to rugged mountain routes, each offering its own slice of adventure. In this guide, we’ve curated the best scenic road trips in the USA for 2024, so you can start planning your next epic journey.

Why Road Trips Are the Best Way to Explore the USA

Road trips let you experience the hidden gems that planes can’t reach. You can stop wherever, whenever, and discover the local charm that makes America unique. From national parks to quaint small towns, road trips are the ultimate way to dive deep into the country’s diverse culture and landscapes.

1. Pacific Coast Highway (California)

Overview

The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), also known as California State Route 1, offers one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world. Stretching from Dana Point to Leggett, this iconic route hugs the coastline, providing jaw-dropping views of the Pacific Ocean.

Why It’s a Must in 2024

The PCH offers fresh perspectives each year. For 2024, new attractions, rest stops, and upgraded viewpoints are making this route even more appealing. Don’t miss the stretch between Big Sur and Monterey – it’s pure magic.

Highlights:

  • Bixby Creek Bridge – A must-stop photo op.
  • Hearst Castle – A historic landmark overlooking the coast.
  • McWay Falls – A waterfall that plunges directly onto the beach.
  • Santa Barbara – Spanish-style architecture and vibrant downtown.

Best Time to Visit

Spring and fall are ideal – you’ll avoid heavy summer traffic while enjoying perfect weather.

2. Route 66 (Chicago to Santa Monica)

Overview

No road trip list is complete without Route 66. This historic route, also known as the “Main Street of America,” spans over 2,400 miles across eight states, ending at the Santa Monica Pier in California.

Why It’s a Must in 2024

Route 66 is celebrating continued restorations and new roadside attractions, making it a bucket-list-worthy journey for history buffs and road trip enthusiasts alike.

Highlights:

  • Cadillac Ranch – Graffiti-covered classic cars buried in Amarillo, Texas.
  • Petrified Forest National Park – Stunning landscapes in Arizona.
  • Blue Whale of Catoosa – Quirky stop near Tulsa, Oklahoma.
  • Santa Monica Pier – The symbolic end of Route 66.

Best Time to Visit

Late spring and early fall offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.

3. Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia to North Carolina)

Overview

The Blue Ridge Parkway winds through the Appalachian Mountains, offering some of the most stunning mountain scenery in the USA. It’s nicknamed “America’s Favorite Drive” for good reason.

Why It’s a Must in 2024

2024 brings updated park facilities and expanded visitor centers, enhancing the experience. Fall foliage here is unparalleled, turning the entire route into a painter’s palette of reds, oranges, and yellows.

Highlights:

  • Linn Cove Viaduct – A scenic engineering marvel.
  • Great Smoky Mountains – A UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Mabry Mill – One of the most photographed spots along the route.
  • Craggy Gardens – Best spot for spring rhododendron blooms.

Best Time to Visit

Fall is the best season for stunning foliage, but spring offers beautiful wildflowers.

4. Great River Road (Minnesota to Louisiana)

Overview

Following the Mississippi River, the Great River Road stretches over 3,000 miles through 10 states. This drive takes you from the headwaters in Minnesota all the way down to the Gulf of Mexico.

Why It’s a Must in 2024

Recent state investments have improved signage and rest stops, enhancing the experience along this historic route. Expect river towns, cultural hotspots, and natural beauty along the way.

Highlights:

  • St. Louis Gateway Arch – Iconic stop along the Mississippi.
  • Natchez Trace Parkway – Scenic and historic drive.
  • Memphis, TN – Birthplace of blues music.
  • New Orleans – Vibrant city full of history and culture.

Best Time to Visit

Late summer to early fall provides pleasant weather and riverfront festivals.

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

Overview

Located in Glacier National Park, Going-to-the-Sun Road is a 50-mile stretch through Montana’s rugged mountain terrain. It’s one of the most scenic mountain drives in the USA.

Why It’s a Must in 2024

Glacier National Park is continually improving its facilities, and 2024 will bring new visitor programs and eco-friendly initiatives. This road trip is short but packed with unforgettable views.

Highlights:

  • Logan Pass – Highest point on the road with breathtaking views.
  • Lake McDonald – Crystal-clear lake surrounded by peaks.
  • Jackson Glacier Overlook – One of the best places to see glaciers.

Best Time to Visit

Late June to early September is the only window when the road is fully open.

6. Overseas Highway (Florida Keys)

Overview

The Overseas Highway (U.S. Route 1) stretches 113 miles from Miami to Key West, connecting the tropical islands of the Florida Keys via 42 bridges. This road trip offers stunning ocean views, making it feel like you’re floating on water.

Why It’s a Must in 2024

New eco-tourism initiatives and revamped resorts make 2024 a prime year to visit. The Overseas Highway blends tropical beauty with rich history and island culture.

Highlights:

  • Seven Mile Bridge – One of the longest bridges in the world, offering panoramic views.
  • Key Largo – Known for snorkeling and diving in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.
  • Bahia Honda State Park – Stunning beaches and wildlife spotting.
  • Key West – Historic architecture, Ernest Hemingway’s house, and vibrant nightlife.

Best Time to Visit

Winter and spring are ideal, as the weather is warm and dry, perfect for a tropical escape.

7. The Loneliest Road (U.S. Route 50, Nevada)

Overview

U.S. Route 50 cuts across Nevada’s rugged desert landscape, earning the title “The Loneliest Road in America.” It offers solitude and raw natural beauty, perfect for adventurers seeking an off-the-beaten-path journey.

Why It’s a Must in 2024

Recent enhancements to roadside attractions and historical markers make 2024 a great year to embark on this quiet yet mesmerizing route.

Highlights:

  • Eureka – A well-preserved Old West town.
  • Great Basin National Park – Stargazing and Lehman Caves exploration.
  • Sand Mountain – A massive sand dune perfect for hiking and off-roading.
  • Austin, NV – Historic mining town with charming inns.

Best Time to Visit

Spring and fall offer cooler temperatures and better conditions for exploring the desert.

8. Skyline Drive (Virginia)

Overview

Skyline Drive stretches 105 miles through Shenandoah National Park, following the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This peaceful drive is packed with overlooks offering panoramic views of rolling hills and forested valleys.

Why It’s a Must in 2024

Skyline Drive continues to draw nature lovers with its improved hiking trails and visitor facilities. Wildlife viewing is exceptional, and 2024 will feature new park events celebrating its natural beauty.

Highlights:

  • Thornton Gap – Scenic overlook with expansive views.
  • Old Rag Mountain – A challenging yet rewarding hike.
  • Luray Caverns – Underground cave system nearby.
  • Big Meadows – Prime spot for wildflower blooms and wildlife sightings.

Best Time to Visit

Autumn is the best time, with vibrant fall colors, but spring brings beautiful wildflowers.

9. Beartooth Highway (Montana to Wyoming)

Overview

Beartooth Highway (U.S. Route 212) runs 68 miles between Red Lodge, Montana, and Yellowstone National Park. It climbs to an elevation of 10,947 feet, offering dramatic mountain vistas, glaciers, and alpine meadows.

Why It’s a Must in 2024

Known as one of the most beautiful drives in the country, 2024 will bring expanded recreational areas and upgraded visitor facilities along the route.

Highlights:

  • Beartooth Pass – A high-altitude pass with stunning views.
  • Yellowstone National Park – Gateway to the famous park’s northeast entrance.
  • Rock Creek Vista Point – Breathtaking overlook with expansive mountain views.
  • Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness – Pristine hiking and camping areas.

Best Time to Visit

Summer (June to September) is the only time the highway is fully open due to snow at higher elevations.

10. North Shore Scenic Drive (Minnesota)

Overview

North Shore Scenic Drive (Minnesota Highway 61) follows Lake Superior’s shoreline from Duluth to Grand Portage, showcasing rugged cliffs, lighthouses, and waterfalls.

Why It’s a Must in 2024

New eco-friendly lodging options and expanded hiking trails make 2024 the perfect time to visit. This drive is a hidden gem for those seeking a peaceful lakeside escape.

Highlights:

  • Split Rock Lighthouse – Historic lighthouse perched on a cliff.
  • Gooseberry Falls State Park – Scenic waterfalls and hiking trails.
  • Grand Marais – A charming harbor town with local art and fresh seafood.
  • Palisade Head – Stunning cliffside views of Lake Superior.

Best Time to Visit

Fall offers spectacular foliage, while summer is perfect for hiking and beach visits.

Tips for Planning Your 2024 Scenic Road Trip

1. Plan Ahead

Popular routes like Route 66 and the Pacific Coast Highway can get crowded. Book accommodations and attractions in advance, especially during peak seasons.

2. Pack Smart

Carry essentials like snacks, a first aid kit, and plenty of water. For remote routes like The Loneliest Road, ensure your vehicle is in top condition and fuel up whenever possible.

3. Use Road Trip Apps

Apps like Roadtrippers and Google Maps can help you discover hidden attractions, scenic viewpoints, and local dining spots.

4. Respect Nature

Leave no trace, respect wildlife, and follow park regulations to preserve the beauty of these routes for future travelers.

Conclusion

The best scenic road trips in the USA for 2024 promise unparalleled adventures and breathtaking views. Whether you prefer coastal highways, mountain passes, or desert trails, there’s a route for every traveler. Start planning your next great American road trip and experience the magic of the open road.

FAQs

1. What is the most scenic road trip in the USA?
The Pacific Coast Highway is often regarded as the most scenic, with stunning ocean views and iconic landmarks along California’s coast.

2. What is the best time for a road trip in the USA?
Spring and fall offer the best weather for most scenic routes, avoiding summer crowds and winter road closures.

3. Which road trip is best for beginners?
Skyline Drive or the Overseas Highway are perfect for beginners, as they are relatively short and easy to navigate.

4. Are there any budget-friendly road trips in the USA?
Yes, drives like the North Shore Scenic Drive and Great River Road offer low-cost adventures with free or affordable attractions along the way.

5. How do I find hidden gems along my road trip route?
Use apps like Roadtrippers or talk to locals at visitor centers to discover lesser-known attractions and scenic stops.

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