Route 66 may be iconic, but America is filled with other scenic highways that offer even more breathtaking landscapes and cultural charm. From coastal routes with dramatic ocean views to winding mountain passes lined with forests, these drives highlight the country’s diverse beauty. Each one promises a unique journey filled with natural wonders, historical sites, and hidden gems that far surpass the nostalgia of Route 66. Based on National Scenic Byways Program recognition and state tourism data, here are 11 drives that deserve the spotlight.
1. Pacific Coast Highway, California
The Pacific Coast Highway, officially California State Route 1, is often called one of the most beautiful drives in the world. Stretching along the rugged coastline from Orange County to Mendocino, it offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, dramatic cliffs, and charming seaside towns like Monterey and Big Sur. The California Department of Transportation highlights its importance as both a functional route and a scenic treasure. With its iconic Bixby Creek Bridge and endless photo opportunities, this highway rivals Route 66 with sheer natural drama and unforgettable coastal landscapes.
2. Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina and Virginia
The Blue Ridge Parkway is known as “America’s Favorite Drive,” spanning 469 miles through the Appalachian Highlands. Maintained by the National Park Service, it connects Shenandoah National Park in Virginia with Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. Renowned for its vibrant fall foliage and overlooks, the route showcases rolling hills, waterfalls, and hiking trails. According to the National Scenic Byways Program, it is one of the most visited scenic drives in the country. The parkway provides a peaceful journey filled with natural beauty and Appalachian culture.
3. Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana
Located within Glacier National Park, Going-to-the-Sun Road is a 50-mile engineering marvel that cuts through the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Completed in 1933, it offers sweeping views of alpine meadows, glacial valleys, and towering peaks. According to the National Park Service, it is the only road that traverses the park, making it both a scenic and practical route. Open only in summer due to snow, this drive rivals Route 66 by offering wilderness beauty and raw natural grandeur that cannot be found anywhere else in the country.
4. Overseas Highway, Florida Keys
The Overseas Highway connects the Florida Keys to the mainland, stretching 113 miles with 42 bridges, including the famed Seven Mile Bridge. According to Visit Florida, the route provides uninterrupted views of turquoise waters and coral reefs. This drive gives travelers the sensation of floating above the ocean, a unique experience unmatched by most highways. From Key Largo to Key West, the road passes tropical landscapes, historic sites, and opportunities for water activities. The Overseas Highway delivers a sense of adventure and relaxation that sets it apart from Route 66.
5. Million Dollar Highway, Colorado
The Million Dollar Highway, part of U.S. Route 550, runs through the San Juan Mountains between Ouray and Silverton. Known for its hairpin turns and steep cliffs, the drive offers breathtaking views of rugged peaks and deep valleys. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, the road’s name likely comes from its costly construction or the value of ore beneath it. The drive is both thrilling and scenic, combining adventure with natural splendor. Its dramatic landscapes and mining history make it one of America’s most exciting and picturesque routes.
6. Great River Road, Mississippi River States
The Great River Road follows the Mississippi River for more than 2,000 miles through ten states, from Minnesota to Louisiana. According to the Mississippi River Parkway Commission, it is one of America’s longest scenic byways, highlighting both cultural history and natural beauty. Travelers encounter river towns, wildlife refuges, and historic sites connected to Native American, French, and African American heritage. With ever-changing landscapes and vibrant communities along its path, the Great River Road offers a more diverse cultural and scenic experience than Route 66.
7. Highway 12, Utah
Utah’s Scenic Byway 12, designated an All-American Road, stretches 122 miles through stunning red rock landscapes and national parks. According to Utah Office of Tourism, the route links Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Parks, making it a showcase of geological wonder. Drivers witness sandstone cliffs, canyons, and plateaus in an ever-changing desert landscape. Small towns like Escalante and Boulder add cultural charm to the experience. Highway 12 rivals Route 66 by providing not only striking views but also direct access to some of America’s most iconic natural wonders.
8. Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire
The Kancamagus Highway, also called “The Kanc,” is a 34-mile stretch through New Hampshire’s White Mountain National Forest. Known for its spectacular autumn foliage, the route is officially designated as a National Scenic Byway. According to the U.S. Forest Service, the highway offers scenic overlooks, hiking trails, and picnic areas, making it a favorite for nature lovers. It does not pass through commercialized towns, which adds to its peaceful charm. For travelers seeking solitude, mountain beauty, and seasonal color, this drive far surpasses Route 66’s nostalgic appeal.
9. Beartooth Highway, Montana and Wyoming
The Beartooth Highway, U.S. Route 212, is a 68-mile drive that climbs to nearly 11,000 feet in elevation. According to the Federal Highway Administration, it is one of the highest and most scenic highways in the United States. The road crosses alpine tundra, glacial lakes, and snowfields even in summer, creating breathtaking scenery at every turn. Its winding switchbacks and panoramic vistas offer an exhilarating adventure for drivers. Beartooth Highway rivals Route 66 not with history but with its unmatched alpine beauty and thrilling mountain landscapes.
10. Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia
The Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia is frequently cited as one of America’s most picturesque drives, despite not being in the United States. At 185 miles, it circles Cape Breton Island, offering dramatic coastal cliffs, highland scenery, and fishing villages. According to Destination Canada, it is one of the most scenic drives in North America. While Route 66 emphasizes Americana, Cabot Trail emphasizes natural majesty and cultural heritage. Many U.S. travelers include it in road trip plans, making it a worthy bonus to this list of scenic alternatives.
11. Natchez Trace Parkway, Mississippi to Tennessee
The Natchez Trace Parkway stretches 444 miles through Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee, tracing a historic travel corridor used for centuries. According to the National Park Service, it follows routes once walked by Native Americans and later used by traders and settlers. Today, the parkway offers a quiet drive through forests, wetlands, and historic landmarks, free of billboards and heavy traffic. Its blend of natural beauty and deep cultural history makes it an alternative to Route 66, offering serenity and significance rather than neon lights and roadside attractions.
