These Are The Most Beautiful Road Trips In America

There’s nothing more American than the great American road trip. As the writer Paul Theroux once explained, “It is in our nature as Americans to want to drive everywhere, even into the wilderness.” And in the past year, road trips have become more appealing than ever, given that there’s no better way to experience what’s in our own backyard while safely socially distancing.

So the announcement of the Federal Highway Administration’s newest National Scenic Byways and All-American Roads couldn’t be better timed. For the first time since 2009, the agency has added 49 spots to its list of the most beautiful roads in America—the America’s Byways collection—and we couldn’t be more excited to get in the car and explore.

“Through their many unique qualities, each of these new additions to the National Scenic Byways program helps America’s roads tell our national story,” says Federal Highway Administration’s executive director Tom Everett. “These special routes offer travelers exciting new opportunities to explore the nation, from coast to coast or close to home.”

Created in 1991, the program recognizes recognizes certain roads based on one or more qualities, including archeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational and scenic views. To be designated as a National Scenic Byway, a road have one of these qualities and be regionally significant. In order to be an All-American Road, a road must have more than one of the nationally significant qualities, as well as unique features that do not exist elsewhere. While many of these newly anointed stretches are roads less traveled, some of them are surprisingly well-known, like Route 66 or Florida’s A1A.

So come along for the ride as we take a visual journey throughout America and get a sneak peek at some of the newcomers to the list, providing the ultimate road trip eye candy and proving that sometimes the journey is even better than the destination.

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California Historic Route 66 Needles to Barstow Scenic Byway – California

Along this historic 178-mile stretch of Route 66 between the towns of Needles and Barstow, you’ll travel through small towns, pass more than 120 wooden bridges and witness stunning Mojave Desert panoramas. “This is a must-see portion of roadway and a treasure trove for history buffs and travelers alike,” says California Desert district manager Andrew Archuleta. “The landscape has changed very little since Route 66 was formally adopted in 1926 as part of the national transportation system.”

Silver Thread Colorado Scenic and Historic Byway – Colorado

Set in southwest Colorado, this 75-mile byway gets points for being both historic and scenic. You’ll glimpse abandoned mining structures and scenic wonders like Lake San Cristobal, which was formed only 800 years ago.

A1A Scenic and Historic Coastal Byway – Florida

With 72 miles of mostly two-lane roads, Florida’s A1A Scenic and Historic Coastal Byway is a national treasure, combining nature, history and beauty. Starting south of Jacksonville on the Atlantic Coast, the road winds through places like Ponte Vedra Beach and St. Augustin, America’s oldest city.

Scenic Highway 30A – Florida

Set in south Walton County, Scenic Highway 30A hugs the Gulf coastline and takes you on a journey by some of the most beautiful white sand beaches you’ll ever see, like Deer Lake State Park and the picture-perfect town of Seaside.

Bold Coast Scenic Byway – Maine

Maine’s Bold Coast Scenic Byway is the state’s longest coastal byway, sprawling 125 miles along the southeast coast and passing by quintessential Down East landmarks like striped lighthouses, lobster wharfs and blueberry fields.

Newfound Gap Road Byway – Tennessee

This 31-mile road cuts right through Great Smoky Mountains National Park, allowing motorists to easily take in the grandeur of the Southern Appalachian Mountains.

Door County Coastal Byway – Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s Door County—which juts out into Lake Michigan—has been called the Cape Cod of the Midwest. When you see the quaint villages, lush forests and scenic vistas along the 55-mile-long Door County Coastal Byway, there’s no wonder it made the list.

Flaming Gorge – Green River Basin Scenic Byway – Wyoming

This is true red rock country. Spanning the border of Wyoming and Utah, the Flaming Gorge – Green River Basin Scenic Byway weaves through high desert, past massive rock formations and mountains.

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