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Curated by the locals who live along them and then passing rigorous application tests, America’s 1,300 scenic byways are officially designated as the country’s most significant routes. Offering much more than incredible views, scenic byways are immersive experiences. They are truly the Main Streets of America, connecting travelers to history, culture, communities and outdoor recreation.
Every state has numerous beautiful drives. But what routes make the most extraordinary road trips? Well, the states and Federal Highway Administration have done the hard work for us by establishing a vast collection from coast to coast, including Alaska and Hawaii.
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North Carolina's Outer Banks, Part 1
The Outer Banks are a chain of barrier islands arcing into the Atlantic and then doubling back to the mainland. Renowned for their isolated beaches and plentiful seafood, a visit also reveals that lighthouses, gardens and aviation history are big deals here, too.
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The Las Vegas Strip sparkles as one of the most electrifying and famous streets on Earth. And yet, an hour away lies a peaceful scenic byway where an array of rainbow-colored rock formations rival the bright lights of Las Vegas Boulevard.
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This large national monument preserves an eerie, mystical landscape of lava flows, cinder cones, caves and sagebrush. And even though it covers a huge expanse, it’s easy to visit. Most of the attractions are fairly short hikes off the seven-mile loop road.
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Utah’s 9 Extraordinary National Scenic Byways
In a state with five national parks, it’s not surprising Utah also boasts 28 scenic byways, nine of which are designated as National Scenic Byways. From mountains to desert these roads reach virtually every region of the Beehive State.
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North Carolina's Outer Banks, Part 2
In Part Two, our journey down this All-American Road continues into the more remote and most beautiful part of the islands where beach walks and ferry rides set the scene. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum and Ocracoke Island are highlights.
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Treasure Hunting in the Oklahoma Panhandle
This road trip is a treasure hunt for curious sandstone formations, dinosaur tracks and Plains Indian rock art. The hills and canyons of this remote area are where prairie shortgrass meet the Rocky Mountains at a place called Black Mesa, Oklahoma’s highest point.
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New Mexico's Trail of the Mountain Spirits
This scenic byway climbs steeply into the Gila National Forest and eventually enters the mystical Gila Wilderness, the world’s first designated wilderness area. There’s evidence that humans have been active here for more than 11,000 years.
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