Saturday morning. Coffee in hand, nowhere to be. You grab your phone and type best scenic road trips near me. Then you scroll through ten lists about drives in states you’ve never even visited. Not helpful.
Here’s the thing. A great drive is probably closer than you think. It only takes a method for detecting this. This is why this guide will show you how to discover this yourself. I’ll make sure to keep it as straightforward as possible, and give my sources for everything I mention.
What makes a drive “scenic”?
Mountains help, sure. But views are only part of it.
The Federal Highway Administration has an initiative known as America’s Byways. According to this agency, “America’s Byway designation is awarded for one or more archaeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational, or scenic characteristics.” It also indicates that “scenic goes beyond views.”Things like native arts and culture count too. You can read more on its America’s Byways page.
That changed how I look at a map. An old mill town counts. So does a farm road with fruit stands. Looking for the best scenic road trips near me? Think outside the box about what makes a scenic trip. It takes many forms.
Where to look for the best scenic road trips near me
Begin with the official list. As per FHWA, the America’s Byways features 184 routes in 48 states. They are either National Scenic Byways or All-American Roads.
The byways website allows you to choose a state using a drop-down menu. You can also choose your state using the map. Each state shows how many byways it has, and there’s a full list of all of them too.Try your home state first. Then try a neighbor, since the best drive might sit just over the line.I can’t tell you which road is closest to you, because I don’t know where you live. I won’t guess, either. But the search takes about two minutes.
Other ways to find the best scenic road trips near me
Byways are one starting point. Here are a few more. These are my own tips, not official advice.
Ask people. A barista, a gas station clerk, or a coworker who loves driving will know back roads no list has. Next, open your phone’s map and zoom out. Look for green and blue patches, like parks, lakes, and rivers. Roads near them often run through pretty land. And stop by a local visitor center if you pass one. Staff there hand out free maps and know what’s open.
The season is another factor that comes into play. The fall leaves make an average road into a picturesque sight, while wildflowers bloom during spring. Just visit a local tourism website to find out when the colors reach their peak.
How to choose from the best scenic road trips near me
Think about time first. A short loop of two hours fits a Saturday. A long one needs a full day or a night away. Be honest about your energy.Then think about who’s riding with you. Kids need more stops. A dog needs water breaks. A friend who gets carsick won’t love a winding road.Last, think about the season. A road that’s lovely in spring may be closed or icy in winter.
Plan the day.
Even the best scenic road trips near me go sideways without a plan. For the full list of what to pack and book, see our road trip checklist. Here are the extras for a scenic drive.
Leave early. Morning light is soft, and roads are quieter. Plan a stop about every hour. The best views sneak up on you, and you’ll want a safe place to pull over. Fill your fuel tank before you start, as some scenic routes may be away from towns.
Take some food and drink. Download maps before you leave as mobile networks might go bad in hills and valleys. And leave some empty space in the day. The best part is often a stop you didn’t plan.
Check conditions before you leave.
This is the step people skip. Roads close for weather, repairs, and safety, so a quick check before the best scenic road trips near me can save your whole day.
The National Park Service says its alerts are pulled from park websites to share timely information that may affect a visit. A closure alert means the park, a major facility, or an area inside it can’t be reached. For details, it tells people to visit the park’s own website. See its park alerts page.
That page isn’t about roads in particular, so look at your state’s transportation website for road work and closures too. Do it the night before and again that morning.
Mistakes that spoil the best scenic road trips near me
- Doing too much is the big one. Four stops in six hours leaves you rushing, and rushing is the opposite of the point.
- Another is skipping the weather report. Fog can hide the view you drove two hours to see.
- Driver fatigue is common on winding roads. If you’re feeling sleepy, it’s best to change drivers or take a rest stop. Don’t look at the view while you’re driving, too.Pull off at a safe spot for photos, or let your passenger snap them.
- Finally, don’t trust one app. Maps can send you down a road that’s closed or rough. Keep a backup, like a paper map.
- And don’t let the car turn into a mess. Toss in a small trash bag. A tidy car makes a long drive feel a lot better.
Your next step
Pick one road this week.Go to the website Byways, select your state, and read about one drive. Schedule that trip for your next Saturday off. Verify the weather forecast for the night before.Then go. Your search for the best scenic road trips near me can start tonight, and the drive can happen this weekend.
If you want more ideas for new places to explore, browse our cultural travel articles. Remember, the best scenic road trips near me are the ones you actually take.
FAQ
What are the best scenic road trips near me?
It depends on your location. The backroads are listed by state, so select your state and see what is there close to you. The program covers 184 roads across 48 states.
What is a scenic byway?
It’s a road the U.S. Secretary of Transportation has recognized for standout natural, cultural, or historic value, among other qualities. All-American Roads are the other kind of byway.
How long should a scenic drive be?
Two to three hours of driving fits a half day. Consider additional time for stopovers, dining, and taking photographs. In case of a longer trip, consider devoting an entire day or even staying overnight.
How do I know if a road is open?
Visit the transportation department site for your state. For roads inside a park, look at that park’s site and the NPS alerts page.
What should I bring on a scenic drive?
Food, drinks, fuel, offline maps, and a charger for the phone. Having a physical map serves as a great backup.