Top 10 Scenic American Road Trips 2021

We’re looking at a few of the most beautiful stretches of road in the United States. Some of these routes span many hundreds of miles, while others can easily be enjoyed as a day trip. But they’re all sure to make an impression.

Number 10, Route 66.

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This iconic highway isn’t technically a U S highway anymore. Once a major artery for Americans making their way to the southwest, it’s long been replaced by the bigger and more centrally planned Interstate highway system. Back in the day, however, it was described as the Main Street of America. In 2021, however, we could all do with a bit of nostalgia as far as scenic drives go. Route 66 on the Will Rogers Highway as it’s also known, is rather hit. Or miss there are some pretty long stretches that are unremarkable but spanning 2448 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles. It gives you a little bit of everything. This is a journey across America and back in time, and that’s a journey worth taking even if there are some lulls along the way, you can literally watch the American landscape change before your eyes.

Number 9 Outer Banks Scenic Highway

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North Carolina’s Outer Banks is a drive that you really owe it to yourself. To take, and unlike with other destinations and or travel experiences that risk disappearing, your presence on this stretch of road won’t exacerbate the problem. The intense ocean weather has taken a toll on this narrow stretch of land, but it’s the mighty Atlantic Ocean that also makes this such an unforgettable drive. From the Lighthouse Tybee Island Wildlife Refuge and Fort Macon State Park, there is no shortage of places to explore and don’t even get us started on the beaches, young or old, this is one drive. You will never forget. Consider yourself warned. This could become a recurring trip.

Number 8 Flint Hills National Scenic Byway.

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Believe it or not, Dorothy, you are in Kansas and with a landscape like this, we’re not sure why travelers don’t make it more of a priority. When you think of Kansas, chances are that your mind conjures up images of Prairie land and farmers fields as far as the eyes can see, and that’s not too far off from reality. But along the scenic byway, you get a nice bit of variety. That really brings out the best in the Kansas landscape. Rolling green and Golden Hills wildflowers give the area an altogether dreamy quality. The byway is under 50 miles long, but its beauty will stay with you long after the fact. The tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, coupled with the quaint towns along the route make this the perfect small scale road trip for anyone looking for a simpler version of America.

7 Old Kings Highway you think Route 66 has got history waiting?

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Until you get a load of this drive, while it might never have gotten quite as much traffic as America’s Main Street, Old Kings Highway connects some of the oldest towns in all of America. Part of the National Register of Historic Places, the drive is only about 62 miles long, but it packs a whole lot of New England beauty into its modest footprint. In addition to coastal views and plenty of green space, Old Kings Highway is dotted with a number of historic landmarks, including the Jonathan Young Windmill, Allen House and the old jail. Which was built back in 1690. Cape Cod is a great place to visit no matter how you approach it, but taking your time along Old Kings Highway makes for an experience that’s hard to beat.

6 going to the Sun Rd the sky doesn’t get much bigger than in Montana.

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The state as a whole tends to inspire a sense of wide eyed wonder. It just makes you feel so small but to see America at its most wild, epic and awe inspiring, you need to tackle going to the Sun Road winding its way through the mountains. Glacier National Park. The road is only about 50 miles long, but it packs more views into its length than most cross country routes. Though it was built as a gateway to the National Park, it’s become something of an attraction in its own right. Consider yourself warned. However, this road trip is not for casual drivers. There’s usually a Rockwall or guardrail between you and valleys below, but the twists and turns are better navigated by practiced and confident hands. If that’s not you, invite a friend who fits the bill. The views are worth the effort.

Number 5 Texas Hill Country.

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They say that everything is bigger in Texas, so why not find out for yourself by driving across its epic landscape. Texas is second only to Alaska in terms of size and California in population, despite being home to some 30 million people, the Lone Star State has got a real wild streak to it. Try far enough in any direction away from a city and you’ll find a scenic Vista that feels like the Old West. No. Where are the views more spectacular? However, then in Hill Country this area located between San Antonio and Austin, so named for its rolling hills, is just picture perfect. It only makes up a small portion of the state, but Texas Hill Country is jam packed with more than enough natural sites and classic barbecue joints to keep you busy for days.

Number 4 San Juan Skyway.

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If you’re a sucker for epic views, a rugged landscape and untarnished natural spaces, you owe it to yourself to take a trip along the San Juan Skyway. Colorado as a whole is a state that begs to be driven, but nowhere is its natural beauty more wonderfully in your face than along this 233 mile stretch of road. Established in 1988, this loop connects a number of highways, including US Highways 160 and 5:50, as well as state Highways 145 and 62. The resulting Dr is much more than the sum of its parts and encompases a number of historic mining towns. You can enjoy the Colorado landscape without ever leaving your car. But considering the Dr carries you right past Mesa Verde National Park, this is also a great trip for outdoor enthusiasts who want to do some camping and or hiking.

3 coastal California.

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The Pacific Coast Highway Drive is rightfully the stuff of American legend. Big Sur arrivals scenic drives around the globe for the world’s most beautiful stretch of road. But while this much celebrated highway is worth exploring, we want to encourage you to move beyond Southern California. Yes, the route. Often deviates inland, but give it a bit of time and you’ll soon find yourself back along the coast and the further N you travel, the more rugged it gets. In summer you’ll enjoy sand and sun in fall and winter you can enjoy the rugged beauty with much smaller crowds. There’s really no bad time to visit when in Big Sur. Just be sure to switch drivers regularly. The views are distracting, but with so many twists and turns, whoever is behind the wheel really needs to keep their eyes on the road. California here we come.

2 the East Coast.

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If you live in the northeastern United States, chances are that at some point in your life you’ve made the journey South to Florida. Maybe it was a family trip to Disney World. Perhaps you were getting away with friends for spring break. Whatever the occasion, we’re willing to bet you stuck with the trusty old I-95, which while efficient, is a very boring drive. But what if you forgot about the destination and instead focused on the journey the American East Coast has some of the best seafood in the world. Not to mention many beautiful beaches, culturally rich cities and breathtaking natural spaces. So forget the I-95 or better yet, just don’t worry about it. Sometimes you’ll want to get on it to cover ground quickly, but if you try to prioritize scenic alternatives like the US Route 17, you’ll see a whole other side of the East Coast.

1 Overseas highway connecting mainland America with the Florida Keys and Key West.

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This drive is most often treated as a means to. And in the end people drive the overseas highway to get to the beach destination of their choice. As such, it’s a road hopelessly intertwined in the minds of many. With the sound of children asking are we there yet? But this feat of engineering is an experience in its own right. The highway spans more than 105 miles of road, much of it over the Atlantic Ocean. Worthy destinations aside, can we just appreciate the sensation of being surrounded by ocean on all sides? Or how about the white sand beaches and coral reef? Let’s get it. Roland,

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