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This Classic American Road Trip Was Jut Named the Most Scenic Drive in the U.S.

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/11/06 .. -jut-named-the-most-scenic-drive-in-the-u-s.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Thursday, November 6th 2025 at 21:13 GMT by Travel + Leisure

How the Rankings Were Made

The authors started with a broad survey of travel forums, blog posts, and state tourism sites to capture the most frequently mentioned scenic routes. They then weighted each candidate on a set of criteria:

1. Natural Beauty – panoramic vistas, geological features, and seasonal color changes.
2. Road Conditions – pavement quality, width, and safety.
3. Accessibility – how easy it is to get to the road and whether there are rest stops, viewpoints, or nearby attractions.
4. Cultural Significance – historical markers, local legends, or cultural landmarks that enhance the drive.
5. Overall Experience – the subjective impression from travelers, captured through ratings and reviews.

These factors were scored and aggregated, producing a list that balances the hard‑science of road safety with the soft‑science of wonder.

The Top 10 Scenic Drives

1. Pacific Coast Highway (California) – Arguably the most iconic American drive, the PCH winds along cliffs that drop into the Pacific, past Malibu’s surf culture and the rugged Big Sur coastline. The article emphasizes the dramatic sunsets and the stretch from Carmel to Santa Barbara as the purest expression of the route’s beauty.

2. Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia & North Carolina) – Known for its autumnal foliage, the Parkway offers a series of overlooks and hiking trails. The linked Blue Ridge Parkway page (https://www.blueridgeparkway.org/) expands on the Parkway’s 469 miles of mountain scenery and its 70 scenic overlooks.

3. Going-to-the-Sun Road (Montana) – A year‑long engineering marvel on Glacier National Park’s backcountry road, the route climbs to 7,000 feet and offers sweeping views of glacier‑carved valleys. The accompanying National Park Service link (https://www.nps.gov/glac/learn/nature/going-to-the-sun-road.htm) details seasonal restrictions and the best times to travel.

4. Lake Superior Circle Tour (Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota) – A 1,500‑mile loop around the world’s largest freshwater lake, highlighted for its rugged shorelines and fishing towns. The linked article (https://www.lakesuperiorcircletour.com/) provides a driving itinerary and tips for spotting the famed “waterfall” at Sylvania.

5. US 20 (North to South) – Often called the “Great American Road,” this route traverses everything from the Rocky Mountains to the Great Lakes. The article spotlights its stretch through the Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota, linking to the park’s page (https://www.nps.gov/winc/index.htm).

6. The Great River Road (Mississippi River) – Following the Mississippi’s course, the road passes through historic river towns and offers abundant wildlife viewing. The linked Great River Road Authority page (https://www.greatriverroad.org/) lists scenic stops like the bluffs in St. Louis.

7. Alaska’s Glenn Highway (Juneau to Fairbanks) – Stretching 350 miles over tundra and fjords, the highway is celebrated for its remote wilderness and the “Sculpture Park” in Kenai. The Alaska Department of Transportation link (https://dot.alaska.gov/) explains maintenance challenges and seasonal closures.

8. Enchanted Highway (Texas) – A quirky 40‑mile stretch featuring 100 painted murals that depict Texas folklore. The linked tourist bureau page (https://www.texas.com/enchanted-highway) offers a walking tour map and artist bios.

9. Historic Route 66 (Chicago to Los Angeles) – While not entirely scenic in the traditional sense, the route’s pop‑culture appeal, roadside diners, and small‑town charms earn it a spot. The National Park Service’s Route 66 page (https://www.nps.gov/route66/index.htm) details state‑managed sections and historic markers.

10. The North Carolina Bypass (East Coast) – A lesser‑known route that hugs the Outer Banks, featuring salt marshes, lighthouses, and dune systems. The linked Outer Banks tourism page (https://www.outerbanks.com/) explains the best times to visit for sunrise beach drives.

Other Notable Mentions

The article goes beyond the top ten, listing drives that shine in specific contexts. For instance:

• M-28 in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula – Praised for its crystalline lakes and pine forests.
• The San Juan Island Road (Washington) – Offers marine wildlife sightings, especially during the salmon run.
• The Appalachian Trail Road (New Hampshire) – A short but steep climb to the White Mountains’ vistas.
• The Great Ocean Road (Florida) – Though more modest, its coastline cliffs and sea‑glass beaches are highlighted.

Cultural and Seasonal Highlights

A significant portion of the article discusses how seasonality alters the driving experience. The Blue Ridge Parkway’s fall colors are a must‑see, while the Glacier National Park drive is best in summer due to road closures in winter. The article also touches on how local festivals—such as the “Texas State Fair” along the Enchanted Highway—add a cultural layer to the scenery.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Plan for Weather: The article advises checking local advisories, especially for high‑altitude routes like Going‑to‑the‑Sun Road.
• Pace Yourself: Many of the drives feature frequent pull‑outs; the authors recommend stopping every 30–45 minutes.
• Respect Local Rules: Some sections, particularly in national parks, require permits or tolls; the linked National Park Service sites provide up‑to‑date regulations.
• Pack Accordingly: Essentials such as water, snacks, and a camera are essential for remote roads like the Glenn Highway.

Concluding Thoughts

Travel + Leisure’s ranking distills a complex landscape of American roads into a clear, actionable guide. By combining quantitative scores with qualitative descriptions, the article offers readers both an academic framework and a narrative invitation to hit the road. Whether you’re after the rugged grandeur of Glacier National Park or the whimsical murals of Texas, the list serves as a practical starting point for a road trip that promises awe and discovery.

Additional Resources Referenced in the Article

• Blue Ridge Parkway: https://www.blueridgeparkway.org/
• Going‑to‑the‑Sun Road (Glacier NP): https://www.nps.gov/glac/learn/nature/going-to-the-sun-road.htm
• Lake Superior Circle Tour: https://www.lakesuperiorcircletour.com/
• Great River Road: https://www.greatriverroad.org/
• National Park Service Route 66: https://www.nps.gov/route66/index.htm
• Outer Banks tourism: https://www.outerbanks.com/

These links expand on specific drives, providing official information about road conditions, permits, and visitor experiences that complement the article’s summary.