Wide open skies, thrilling adventures, and endless possibilities—few experiences match the magic of hitting the open road and setting off on a journey that becomes an unforgettable story. North America is crisscrossed with highways that offer spectacular views, captivating towns, and hidden gems that transform any road trip into something extraordinary. Sometimes, it’s the road itself rather than a distant destination that delivers the real joy of travel. From breathtaking coastal drives hugging cliffsides to scenic mountainous routes winding through untamed landscapes, exceptional highways await every adventurer. Buckle up, grab some snacks, and turn up your favorite playlist; here are six truly outstanding roads in North America that promise journeys you’ll remember as much as anything you’ll find at the end.
1 Journey Above the Clouds: Trail Ridge Road, Colorado
Clinging to mountain ridges and cutting through alpine tundra at 12,183 feet, Colorado’s Trail Ridge Road offers some of the highest vantage points of any paved road in North America. Officially known as U.S. Highway 34, it stretches nearly 50 miles from Estes Park to Grand Lake, within the spectacular Rocky Mountain National Park. Expect breathtaking panoramas—the kind usually reserved for hikers—without ever leaving your car seat. Along the way, keep an eye out for diverse wildlife, including elk grazing casually near the roadside.
Travel tips: Trail Ridge Road typically opens from late May through mid-October, weather permitting. Always check road conditions before you travel, as snow—even midsummer—is not unheard of. Bring extra layers of clothing; temperatures at high altitude can drop quickly, even during summer. Don’t miss the Alpine Visitor Center, a nice rest stop at the top featuring informative displays and jaw-dropping views below.
2 A Surreal Drive Along California’s Highway 1
Hugging the rugged Pacific coastline, California’s iconic Highway 1 (also known as the Pacific Coast Highway) is universally cherished—and for good reason. Running roughly 655 miles from north to south, it wows drivers with sheer cliffs, crashing ocean waves, and quaint coastal towns along its serpentine path. Make sure to pull over at Big Sur, possibly the most famous section of this highway for unbeatable cliffside views and mesmerizing sunsets. Watching sea lions lounging lazily or whales gracefully migrating offshore only makes this highway adventure sweeter.
Essential information: Driving the entire Pacific Coast Highway can easily occupy several days or even a week if taken leisurely—something strongly recommended. Avoid peak tourist months like July and August if possible (crowds can often overshadow the experience). Instead, plan your trip in spring or early autumn. Gas stations and cell reception can sometimes be sparse, so fill your tank often and download offline maps in advance.
3 Eastern Colors Galore: The Blue Ridge Parkway
Stretching through North Carolina and Virginia over more than 450 stunningly scenic miles, the Blue Ridge Parkway invites road trippers to slow down and savor the scenery. Especially dazzling in fall when leaves turn into a fiery tapestry, this route connects Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s famous for vast overlooks, historic sites, forest hikes, and vibrant Appalachian culture. Unlike many main roads, the Parkway has no billboards, traffic lights, or heavy trucks—just nature’s beauty and tranquility.
Planning tips: Keep in mind it’s busiest during the fall leaf-peeping months; traveling weekdays helps avoid crowds. Visit the charming mountain towns scattered along the way, especially Asheville, known for its artsy vibe and delicious culinary scene. Gas stations aren’t directly on the Parkway—it’s wise to fill up in advance once you notice your gauge dropping below half.
4 Into the Wild: Alaska’s Seward Highway
Alaska boasts raw wilderness and dramatic landscapes unlike anywhere else—exactly what the Seward Highway is all about. Connecting Anchorage to the seaside community of Seward, it runs 125 miles of blissful rugged splendor alongside mountains, glaciers, bays, and forests. Look for wildlife everywhere: moose grazing close to roadsides, eagles perched high above cliffs, or Dall sheep precariously navigating steep cliffs. Don’t skip the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, home to animals like grizzlies and bison, comfortably accessible from the highway.
Practical advice: Seward Highway is beautiful year-round, but roads can be icy and considerably more challenging in winter. Plan your adventure in spring through autumn—summer months provide more daylight hours for driving and wildlife viewing. Always stop by notable photo spots like Beluga Point, famous for whale sightings and epic vistas.
5 Route 66: America’s Legendary Road
Few highways possess the mystique and cultural resonance of Route 66, stretching 2,448 miles through eight U.S. states from Chicago to Santa Monica, California. Known fondly as “The Main Street of America,” the road is an iconic symbol of freedom, adventure, and nostalgia. Relics of Americana appear all along the route—vintage diners, quirky motels, roadside attractions, and retro signage make this experience absolutely irresistible to road-trippers seeking glimpses of America’s roadside heritage.
Insider tips: Because Route 66 is so long, most travelers explore selected segments. Aim for Arizona and New Mexico sections featuring preserved cafes and quirky sights such as Cadillac Ranch (Amarillo, Texas) or the Wigwam Motels. Plan your stays carefully and don’t rush your stops. Enjoy talking to friendly locals—they have wonderful stories to share, giving added life and depth to this legendary journey.
6 Canada’s Cabot Trail: Seaside Splendor
Nova Scotia’s Cabot Trail delivers all the charm and spectacular views travelers crave, winding 185 miles along Cape Breton Island’s dramatic coastline. Each curve unveils seemingly effortless beauty, with jaw-dropping coastal cliffs and lush green forests brimming with hiking trails. Cape Breton Highlands National Park serves as the central focus, featuring fantastic overlooks like Skyline Trail. Whale watchers, hikers, birdwatchers—anyone drawn by nature’s wonders—find plenty of reasons to adore Cabot Trail.
Useful pointers: Consider traveling Cabot Trail anticlockwise; it positions you closer to coastline views and roadside overlooks. Plan to stop frequently—scanning cliffsides for eagles or spotting whales offshore takes your breath away. Rustic seaside towns like Baddeck or Chéticamp offer delicious local seafood, overnight accommodations, and genuine Celtic culture.
Every highway adventure listed here promises something distinctive, captivating, and richly rewarding—far beyond mere travel routes. Whether it’s alpine heights, coastal magic, or historic nostalgia calling your name, the experience behind each windshield is as memorable as each destination you’ll find along the path.