15 essential scenic drives in the United States

This 469-mile highway boasts sweeping views of the Appalachian Highlands in Virginia and North Carolina, with plenty of wildlife, hiking trails, and scenic stops to stretch your legs along the way. 

Spanning 113 miles from Key Largo to Key West, this highway is made up almost entirely of bridges that offer stunning views of the turquoise water of the Florida Keys. 

In Washington State, Highway 11 is better known as the Chuckanut Drive, a 20-mile scenic byway that boasts beaches, state parks, and a slew of gorgeous hikes. It's also short enough to drive in one day while taking in all the sights. 

Comprising 125 miles along the coastline of Maine, the Bold Coast Scenic Byway ends in Lubec, the easternmost city in the United States. Along the way, you'll find some of the country's most gorgeous landscapes. 

This scenic drive in Southwest Colorado is, mile-for-mile, one of the country's most stunning. Running 25 miles, from Silverton to Ouray, the highway boasts incredible views of the Rocky Mountains the entire drive. 

Heading to Shenandoah National Park? Don't sleep on Skyline Drive, which runs 105 miles alongside the Blue Ridge Mountains. Take your time, and wind leisurely down these curvy roads as you take in the wildlife and scenery. 

Technically running from Washington to California, the Pacific Coast Highway offers some of the country's best ocean views. Even if you can't drive the whole thing, at least consider taking a short detour to take in some of the West Coast's most compelling vistas. 

At more than 2,000 miles, the Great River Road, which follows the length of the Mississippi River across ten states, is a truly epic road trip. It's actually several highways and routes that are connected along the river, all the way up to its rising point in Minnesota. 

On the eastern side of New Hampshire, the Kancamagus Highway is pristine 25 miles of State Highway 112, running through the gorgeous White Mountains from Lincoln to Conway. 

Oregon's version of the Pacific Coast Highway, Highway 101 follows the state's rugged coastline, offering moody beach views and plenty of spots to stop and see stunning scenery. 

Driving to this national park in Southern California feels a little bit like traveling to another planet, which makes sense when you consider that George Lucas used its landscape as inspiration for "Star Wars." Wind through Park Highway, which will take you to some otherworldly rock formations and, of course, the park's namesake trees, which look a bit like something out of a Dr. Seuss book. 

Located on Maui, the Road to Hana is one of the island's most popular tourist attractions. It can also be a bit of a harrowing drive considering that it's only one lane in many places, but the views of the Pacific Ocean and so many waterfalls are unparalleled. 

Though it may not be as popular as some of the other scenic drives on this list, M-22 in upstate Michigan is a real stunner. In the fall, you can catch gorgeous foliage, and in the summer, score gorgeous lake views along this 112-mile stretch. 

This 122-mile portion of Utah's Highway 12 is jam-packed with gorgeous sights, including views of Bryce Canyon National Park's distinct rock formations. 

Located in Glacier National Park, Going-to-the-Sun Road is a rare treat. It's only open from July to October, depending on weather conditions, and offers incredible views of the Rocky Mountains, glacial lakes, and so much more.