America is a country of explorers. This spirit of adventure runs deep here in the U.S., a place comprised of 50 wholly unique states and an amazing melting pot of cultures. This drive to explore is quite literally a drive to explore, too, with the country connected by a series of the most scenic highways and byways, iconic bridges, and backcountry roads. Route 66 is obviously the epitome of the Great American Drive, but it’s by no means the only route worth traveling. Buckle up and get ready to explore; these 18 scenic drives in the U.S. are sure to fuel your wanderlust, no matter how insatiable it might be!

Olympic Peninsula Loop - Washington

Mint Images/Mint Images RF Collection via Getty Images Residents of Washington know that living in the Evergreen State is like traveling through a real-life fantasy a la “Where the Wild Things Are.” From the amazing views of the ocean to the state’s incredibly dense forest and rugged wilderness, there’s always an adventure waiting for you in Washington. And there’s nowhere more wondrous than Olympic National Park: 922,651 acres of pure beauty that’s home to an abundance of wildlife, an incredible rainforest, great diversity of flora and fauna, old-growth forests, and so much more. Within this world of wonder, the Olympic Peninsula Loop covers 330 miles and encircles the national park. And like so many of America’s greatest drives, the incredible places you’ll visit along the way are what make this loop so wonderful to travel. Olympic Peninsula, Washington 98331, USA

Highway 101 - Oregon

Feng Wei Photography/Moment Collection via Getty Images Life really is about the journey… not the destination. And nowhere is this more evident than along Highway 101. Part of the Pacific Coast Highway, this waterfront route runs parallel to the ocean, offering not only spectacular sights but also unsurpassed opportunities for off-road adventures. This is especially true in Oregon, where Highway 101 spans the length of the eponymous Oregon Coast: 363 miles of pure, PNW splendor. Sea stacks and tide pools, verdant green foliage and black basalt cliffs, lighthouses, and sand dunes — this is the Oregon Coast, and Highway 101 is the perfect place to have an epic road trip adventure. Oregon Coast Highway, Oregon Coast Hwy, Florence, OR, USA

Going-to-the-Sun Road - Montana

Cavan Images/Cavan Collection via Getty Images One of the very best ways to embrace your wanderlust is to venture out on a good, old-fashioned road trip. The U.S. is full of scenic byways and backcountry roads that will show you some of America’s most swoon-worthy natural wonders; of these routes, there’s one in Montana with a name that truly captures its splendor, and that’s Going-to-the-Sun Road. This trans-mountain highway is 50 miles of pure Montana majesty, carved out of the rugged terrain and mighty mountains of Glacier National Park. And while Glacier is certainly one of the most wondrous national parks in the country, Going-to-the-Sun Road takes the experience to another level entirely. Going-to-the-Sun Road, Going-to-the-Sun Rd, Montana, USA

Pacific Coast Highway - California, Oregon, and Washington

Doug Meek/Corbis Documentary Collection via Getty Images If the ocean has your heart and soul, there’s no better route than the Pacific Coast Highway. One of the most famous scenic drives in the PNW, the beautiful Pacific Coast Highway stretches along Highway 1 for 656 miles, connecting Northern California and Southern California, Oregon, and Washington. It is one of the most astoundingly scenic roads in the world, meant to be traversed slowly while ogling the mountains, towering trees, expansive beaches, and endless blue skies. Construction on this modern-day marvel began in 1933, with the highway completed in small segments over the next several years. In fact, it was not until the 1964 state highway renumbering that the entire route was officially designated as SR 1. On this epic route, you’ll be treated to stunning ocean views right outside your car window for an iconic experience that’s every road tripper’s dream. Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Coast Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90803, USA

17 Mile Drive - California

David Toussaint/Moment Collection via Getty Images When you find yourself craving coastal serenity, set out on the world-famous 17-Mile Drive. This beloved scenic drive is considered the ultimate way to explore California’s famed Monterey Peninsula, and it’s an experience everyone should have at least once. Boasting endless views of the Pacific Ocean and access to some of the region’s most popular natural attractions, this oceanfront drive will have you hooked from the moment you hit the road. This scenic route primarily serves as the main road through Pebble Beach, a gated community where non-residents have to pay a toll of $10.50 per vehicle. It may seem like a steep price for a scenic drive, but the coastal beauty that awaits is so totally worth it. 17 Mile Drive, 17 Mile Dr, Del Monte Forest, CA, USA

San Juan Scenic Byway - Colorado

CampPhoto/iStock via Getty Images Plus For those looking to experience the splendor of Colorful Colorado without embarking on a big hiking expedition, the San Juan Scenic Byway is undoubtedly the next best thing. This 236-mile loop is a tour de force of the range, dubbed the “Million Dollar Highway” due to the high cost of its construction. The true value of this scenic drive, however, is priceless: the Skyway climbs as high as 10,910 feet in elevation and boasts some of the best vistas in the West. San Juan Mountains, Colorado 81235, USA

Bryce Canyon National Park - Utah

Teresa Kopec/Moment Collection via Getty Images Bryce Canyon National Park showcases the stunning geology of Utah and is a natural wonder that’s well-worth exploring. Its name is a misnomer – Bryce Canyon is actually not a canyon at all; it’s more than a dozen natural red-rock amphitheaters and cliffs totaling 35,835 awe-inspiring acres. While best-known for its stellar hiking, there are numerous scenic drives in the park that allow for equally incredible views. Come and experience a sunrise or sunset if you can – the morning and evening light casts the park in a soft glow that’s absolutely stunning. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, USA

Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway - South Dakota

Different_Brian/iStock via Getty Images Plus South Dakota is one of the most underrated states in the country, and on the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, you’ll get a front-row seat to some of the best scenery this state has to offer. This byway spans 22 miles and connects the towns of Spearfish and Lead via winding roads, mature trees, and rocky cliffs. But for such a short road trip, the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway packs a big scenic punch; Spearfish Creek lines the canyon floor, and Bridal Veil Falls and Roughlock Falls make for popular roadside attractions. Beautiful all year round, this drive is especially fantastic in the autumn, when fall foliage begins to peak. The speed limit is 35 miles per hour, forcing drivers to slow down and really savor the resplendence of South Dakota’s Black Hills. Spearfish, SD, USA

Route 66

Harun Mehmedinovic/500px Collection via Getty Images In terms of Great American road trips, none compares to Route 66. Known as the Mother Road, this undulating ribbon of asphalt was the country’s original road trip, launched in 1926 to connect the Midwest to the West Coast, from Chicago all the way to Los Angeles. In its heyday, Route 66 attracted thousands of road trip warriors each year; over the decades, motels, roadside attractions, and communities sprang up along the route. After it was decommissioned in 1985, it was no longer considered a major roadway, and travel started to wane. Traveling along this route truly is a bucket-list must for any self-described road tripper, as is visiting the eponymous Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum, located in Pontiac, Illinois. Route 66, Rte 66, Anaheim, CA 92802, USA

The Great River Road

The Great River Road/Facebook We’ve all heard of the ‘Great American Road Trip,’ an epic adventure that leads travelers to all the amazing places this country of ours has to offer. But what about a road trip along the Great River Road? This epic road trip traces the course of the Mississippi River for 3,000 miles through 10 states, and will open your eyes to America the Beautiful. This All-American Road is lauded as the single-best scenic drive in the country, and it’s hard to argue with such a superlative. From the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge in Illinois and the Trail of Tears State Park in Missouri to the bayous of Arkansas and bustling streets of New Orleans, Great River Road truly is an All-American adventure for your bucket list. The Great River Road, The Great River Rd, East Alton, IL, USA

Natchez Trace Parkway - Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee

marekuliasz/iStock via Getty Images Plus Spanning 444 miles through three states (Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee), the Natchez Trace Parkway passes by more than 90 points of interest, which run the gamut from natural wonders to perfectly-preserved historic sites. This is a road designed to showcase the bucolic beauty of the American South, and you’ll want to allow for plenty of time to sit back, soak up the scenery, and see where the road takes you – because it’s going to be someplace beautiful. Natchez Trace Parkway, Natchez Trace Pkwy, Natchez, MS, USA

Blue Ridge Parkway - Virginia and North Carolina

Sean Pavone/iStock via Getty Images Plus The Blue Ridge Parkway is perhaps the most picture-perfect scenic drive in the U.S. The Parkway itself is 469 miles long and winds its way through 29 Virginia and North Carolina counties. It also connects with the Shenandoah National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and is the unofficial gateway to both regions. Unlike the mountain passes in the West that go up and over mountains, or the iconic “Notch” valley roads of the Northeast, Blue Ridge Parkway runs along the spine of the ridge, rolling up and down for the entire length. It’s a prismatic feast for the eyes in all seasons, with dynamic displays of color in autumn, a lush forest landscape in summer, and dazzling white expanses in the winter. This route is a favorite for birders, too; with over 50 resident species, this region boasts more avian diversity than the entire continent of Europe! Blue Ridge Parkway, Blue Ridge Pkwy, Cherokee, NC, USA

U.S. Highway 1 - Florida

Westend61/Getty Images There is nothing quite as exhilarating as hopping in your car, putting on a playlist, rolling down the windows, and having nothing but the open road – or, in this case, open ocean – in front of you. If you’re feeling the pull of the tropical paradise that is the Florida Keys, then U.S. Highway 1 is the road trip for you. Highway 1 is an epic route that runs all the way from Georgia’s St. Mary’s River down into Florida’s Key West, clocking in at 545 magnificent miles. This highway literally leads straight to the sea; the dazzling, crystal-clear cerulean expanse otherwise known as the Florida Keys. Florida Keys, 4590 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050, USASeven Mile Bridge, Marathon, FL, USA

Ocean Drive - Rhode Island

Discover Newport/Facebook This 10-mile route is one of the most iconic in the Northeast, offering drivers unrivaled views of the Rhode Island coastline. This scenic trip is flanked with incredible views of the coast, with the rugged shores of the Atlantic offering a startling and sublime contrast to the gilded homes on its shores. Though the route is only 10 miles long, it’s one you’ll want to reserve plenty of time for, with numerous points of interest beckoning travelers to stop and explore. The first leg of the trip, in fact, wouldn’t be complete without making a stop at Fort Adams State Park. Visit the largest coastal fort in the country and enjoy a tour, explore the tunnels, or simply stroll the waterfront bay walk. Brenton Point State Park is another must-visit on Ocean Drive; in the summer, the skies above this lovely park are filled with whimsical, colorful kites that seem to dance above the Rhode Island shores! Ocean Drive, Ocean Dr, Little Compton, RI 02837, USA

Kancamagus Highway - New Hampshire

Raimund Linke/The Image Bank Collection via Getty Images Considered by many to be one of the most scenic drives in the Northeast, if not the entire country, Kancamagus Highway is a treasure trove of natural beauty. At just 36 miles long, Kancamagus Highway packs quite the scenic punch, rolling through charming covered bridges, past wondrous waterfalls, and into the heart of the lush White Mountain range. This drive is especially lovely in the autumn, when fall foliage paints the landscape of the Northeast in fiery reds, oranges, yellows, and golds. New Hampshire 112, NH-112, Albany, NH, USA

Park Loop Road - Acadia National Park, Maine

PictureLake/E+ Collection via Getty Images One of the most beautiful national parks in the U.S., the loop through Acadia National Park can be completed in just an hour, and offers an unrivaled scenic experience. This 27-mile byway rolls past high ridgelines, sheer rock precipices, and the dramatic shores of the North Atlantic. Revel in the fabulous juxtaposition of beach and mountain as you traverse Acadia along this scenic route. If you feel inspired to explore on foot, get out and set forth on the Beehive Loop Trail, a popular choice for hikers eager to see more of the scenic views for which Acadia is best known. Park Loop Road, Park Loop Rd, Maine, USA

Hana Highway - Hawaii

wingmar/E+ Collection via Getty Images It can take more than two and a half hours to travel the 52 miles from Kahului to Hana along the eponymous Hana Highway, which traverses past sea cliffs lush with blooming mango trees and vistas straight out of “Jurassic Park.” But this drive is not for the faint of heart. Hana Highway is perhaps the most popular scenic drive on the island of Maui – and possibly all of Hawaii – but it’s also nerve-wracking, to say the least. This incredible highway is home to a whopping 620 curves, making it the windiest road in the Aloha State, and one best attempted with a slow and steady hand (and foot!). But if you happen to have a strong stomach, there’s no better way to revel in the resplendence of the Aloha State, making Hana Highway a bucket-list must. Hana Highway, Hana Hwy, Hawaii, USA

Dalton Highway - Alaska

Noppawat Tom Charoensinphon/Moment Collection via Getty Images There are many ways to experience the rugged resplendence of the Last Frontier, from camping and hiking to stargazing and snowshoeing. But you don’t have to be an avid outdoor enthusiast to revel in the state’s untold beauty; simply buckle up and drive the Dalton Highway. Constructed in 1974, this 414-mile road passes through incredible landscapes that you simply won’t find anywhere else in the world, meriting the route a top spot on any adventurer’s bucket list. One of the most striking points of interest along the way is the Brooks Range, a 126-million-year-old mountain that spans from western Alaska all the way to Canada’s Yukon Territory. The entire range is within the Arctic Circle, and most of the drive along the Dalton is also within this grand region, too! The road is a designated Scenic Byway, too, and once you travel it for yourself, you’ll understand why. Dalton Highway, Dalton Hwy, Alaska, USA

From coast to coast (and everything in between), America is one big map of road trip adventures. The only question is: which one will you tackle first?

Mint Images/Mint Images RF Collection via Getty Images

Residents of Washington know that living in the Evergreen State is like traveling through a real-life fantasy a la “Where the Wild Things Are.” From the amazing views of the ocean to the state’s incredibly dense forest and rugged wilderness, there’s always an adventure waiting for you in Washington. And there’s nowhere more wondrous than Olympic National Park: 922,651 acres of pure beauty that’s home to an abundance of wildlife, an incredible rainforest, great diversity of flora and fauna, old-growth forests, and so much more. Within this world of wonder, the Olympic Peninsula Loop covers 330 miles and encircles the national park. And like so many of America’s greatest drives, the incredible places you’ll visit along the way are what make this loop so wonderful to travel.

Olympic Peninsula, Washington 98331, USA

Feng Wei Photography/Moment Collection via Getty Images

Life really is about the journey… not the destination. And nowhere is this more evident than along Highway 101. Part of the Pacific Coast Highway, this waterfront route runs parallel to the ocean, offering not only spectacular sights but also unsurpassed opportunities for off-road adventures. This is especially true in Oregon, where Highway 101 spans the length of the eponymous Oregon Coast: 363 miles of pure, PNW splendor. Sea stacks and tide pools, verdant green foliage and black basalt cliffs, lighthouses, and sand dunes — this is the Oregon Coast, and Highway 101 is the perfect place to have an epic road trip adventure.

Oregon Coast Highway, Oregon Coast Hwy, Florence, OR, USA

Cavan Images/Cavan Collection via Getty Images

One of the very best ways to embrace your wanderlust is to venture out on a good, old-fashioned road trip. The U.S. is full of scenic byways and backcountry roads that will show you some of America’s most swoon-worthy natural wonders; of these routes, there’s one in Montana with a name that truly captures its splendor, and that’s Going-to-the-Sun Road. This trans-mountain highway is 50 miles of pure Montana majesty, carved out of the rugged terrain and mighty mountains of Glacier National Park. And while Glacier is certainly one of the most wondrous national parks in the country, Going-to-the-Sun Road takes the experience to another level entirely.

Going-to-the-Sun Road, Going-to-the-Sun Rd, Montana, USA

Doug Meek/Corbis Documentary Collection via Getty Images

If the ocean has your heart and soul, there’s no better route than the Pacific Coast Highway. One of the most famous scenic drives in the PNW, the beautiful Pacific Coast Highway stretches along Highway 1 for 656 miles, connecting Northern California and Southern California, Oregon, and Washington. It is one of the most astoundingly scenic roads in the world, meant to be traversed slowly while ogling the mountains, towering trees, expansive beaches, and endless blue skies. Construction on this modern-day marvel began in 1933, with the highway completed in small segments over the next several years. In fact, it was not until the 1964 state highway renumbering that the entire route was officially designated as SR 1. On this epic route, you’ll be treated to stunning ocean views right outside your car window for an iconic experience that’s every road tripper’s dream.

Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Coast Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90803, USA

David Toussaint/Moment Collection via Getty Images

When you find yourself craving coastal serenity, set out on the world-famous 17-Mile Drive. This beloved scenic drive is considered the ultimate way to explore California’s famed Monterey Peninsula, and it’s an experience everyone should have at least once. Boasting endless views of the Pacific Ocean and access to some of the region’s most popular natural attractions, this oceanfront drive will have you hooked from the moment you hit the road. This scenic route primarily serves as the main road through Pebble Beach, a gated community where non-residents have to pay a toll of $10.50 per vehicle. It may seem like a steep price for a scenic drive, but the coastal beauty that awaits is so totally worth it.

17 Mile Drive, 17 Mile Dr, Del Monte Forest, CA, USA

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For those looking to experience the splendor of Colorful Colorado without embarking on a big hiking expedition, the San Juan Scenic Byway is undoubtedly the next best thing. This 236-mile loop is a tour de force of the range, dubbed the “Million Dollar Highway” due to the high cost of its construction. The true value of this scenic drive, however, is priceless: the Skyway climbs as high as 10,910 feet in elevation and boasts some of the best vistas in the West.

San Juan Mountains, Colorado 81235, USA

Teresa Kopec/Moment Collection via Getty Images

Bryce Canyon National Park showcases the stunning geology of Utah and is a natural wonder that’s well-worth exploring. Its name is a misnomer – Bryce Canyon is actually not a canyon at all; it’s more than a dozen natural red-rock amphitheaters and cliffs totaling 35,835 awe-inspiring acres. While best-known for its stellar hiking, there are numerous scenic drives in the park that allow for equally incredible views. Come and experience a sunrise or sunset if you can – the morning and evening light casts the park in a soft glow that’s absolutely stunning.

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, USA

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South Dakota is one of the most underrated states in the country, and on the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway, you’ll get a front-row seat to some of the best scenery this state has to offer. This byway spans 22 miles and connects the towns of Spearfish and Lead via winding roads, mature trees, and rocky cliffs. But for such a short road trip, the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway packs a big scenic punch; Spearfish Creek lines the canyon floor, and Bridal Veil Falls and Roughlock Falls make for popular roadside attractions. Beautiful all year round, this drive is especially fantastic in the autumn, when fall foliage begins to peak. The speed limit is 35 miles per hour, forcing drivers to slow down and really savor the resplendence of South Dakota’s Black Hills.

Spearfish, SD, USA

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In terms of Great American road trips, none compares to Route 66. Known as the Mother Road, this undulating ribbon of asphalt was the country’s original road trip, launched in 1926 to connect the Midwest to the West Coast, from Chicago all the way to Los Angeles. In its heyday, Route 66 attracted thousands of road trip warriors each year; over the decades, motels, roadside attractions, and communities sprang up along the route. After it was decommissioned in 1985, it was no longer considered a major roadway, and travel started to wane. Traveling along this route truly is a bucket-list must for any self-described road tripper, as is visiting the eponymous Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum, located in Pontiac, Illinois.

Route 66, Rte 66, Anaheim, CA 92802, USA

The Great River Road/Facebook

We’ve all heard of the ‘Great American Road Trip,’ an epic adventure that leads travelers to all the amazing places this country of ours has to offer. But what about a road trip along the Great River Road? This epic road trip traces the course of the Mississippi River for 3,000 miles through 10 states, and will open your eyes to America the Beautiful. This All-American Road is lauded as the single-best scenic drive in the country, and it’s hard to argue with such a superlative. From the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge in Illinois and the Trail of Tears State Park in Missouri to the bayous of Arkansas and bustling streets of New Orleans, Great River Road truly is an All-American adventure for your bucket list.

The Great River Road, The Great River Rd, East Alton, IL, USA

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Spanning 444 miles through three states (Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee), the Natchez Trace Parkway passes by more than 90 points of interest, which run the gamut from natural wonders to perfectly-preserved historic sites. This is a road designed to showcase the bucolic beauty of the American South, and you’ll want to allow for plenty of time to sit back, soak up the scenery, and see where the road takes you – because it’s going to be someplace beautiful.

Natchez Trace Parkway, Natchez Trace Pkwy, Natchez, MS, USA

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The Blue Ridge Parkway is perhaps the most picture-perfect scenic drive in the U.S. The Parkway itself is 469 miles long and winds its way through 29 Virginia and North Carolina counties. It also connects with the Shenandoah National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and is the unofficial gateway to both regions. Unlike the mountain passes in the West that go up and over mountains, or the iconic “Notch” valley roads of the Northeast, Blue Ridge Parkway runs along the spine of the ridge, rolling up and down for the entire length. It’s a prismatic feast for the eyes in all seasons, with dynamic displays of color in autumn, a lush forest landscape in summer, and dazzling white expanses in the winter. This route is a favorite for birders, too; with over 50 resident species, this region boasts more avian diversity than the entire continent of Europe!

Blue Ridge Parkway, Blue Ridge Pkwy, Cherokee, NC, USA

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There is nothing quite as exhilarating as hopping in your car, putting on a playlist, rolling down the windows, and having nothing but the open road – or, in this case, open ocean – in front of you. If you’re feeling the pull of the tropical paradise that is the Florida Keys, then U.S. Highway 1 is the road trip for you. Highway 1 is an epic route that runs all the way from Georgia’s St. Mary’s River down into Florida’s Key West, clocking in at 545 magnificent miles. This highway literally leads straight to the sea; the dazzling, crystal-clear cerulean expanse otherwise known as the Florida Keys.

Florida Keys, 4590 Overseas Hwy, Marathon, FL 33050, USASeven Mile Bridge, Marathon, FL, USA

Discover Newport/Facebook

This 10-mile route is one of the most iconic in the Northeast, offering drivers unrivaled views of the Rhode Island coastline. This scenic trip is flanked with incredible views of the coast, with the rugged shores of the Atlantic offering a startling and sublime contrast to the gilded homes on its shores. Though the route is only 10 miles long, it’s one you’ll want to reserve plenty of time for, with numerous points of interest beckoning travelers to stop and explore. The first leg of the trip, in fact, wouldn’t be complete without making a stop at Fort Adams State Park. Visit the largest coastal fort in the country and enjoy a tour, explore the tunnels, or simply stroll the waterfront bay walk. Brenton Point State Park is another must-visit on Ocean Drive; in the summer, the skies above this lovely park are filled with whimsical, colorful kites that seem to dance above the Rhode Island shores!

Ocean Drive, Ocean Dr, Little Compton, RI 02837, USA

Raimund Linke/The Image Bank Collection via Getty Images

Considered by many to be one of the most scenic drives in the Northeast, if not the entire country, Kancamagus Highway is a treasure trove of natural beauty. At just 36 miles long, Kancamagus Highway packs quite the scenic punch, rolling through charming covered bridges, past wondrous waterfalls, and into the heart of the lush White Mountain range. This drive is especially lovely in the autumn, when fall foliage paints the landscape of the Northeast in fiery reds, oranges, yellows, and golds.

New Hampshire 112, NH-112, Albany, NH, USA

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One of the most beautiful national parks in the U.S., the loop through Acadia National Park can be completed in just an hour, and offers an unrivaled scenic experience. This 27-mile byway rolls past high ridgelines, sheer rock precipices, and the dramatic shores of the North Atlantic. Revel in the fabulous juxtaposition of beach and mountain as you traverse Acadia along this scenic route. If you feel inspired to explore on foot, get out and set forth on the Beehive Loop Trail, a popular choice for hikers eager to see more of the scenic views for which Acadia is best known.

Park Loop Road, Park Loop Rd, Maine, USA

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It can take more than two and a half hours to travel the 52 miles from Kahului to Hana along the eponymous Hana Highway, which traverses past sea cliffs lush with blooming mango trees and vistas straight out of “Jurassic Park.” But this drive is not for the faint of heart. Hana Highway is perhaps the most popular scenic drive on the island of Maui – and possibly all of Hawaii – but it’s also nerve-wracking, to say the least. This incredible highway is home to a whopping 620 curves, making it the windiest road in the Aloha State, and one best attempted with a slow and steady hand (and foot!). But if you happen to have a strong stomach, there’s no better way to revel in the resplendence of the Aloha State, making Hana Highway a bucket-list must.

Hana Highway, Hana Hwy, Hawaii, USA

Noppawat Tom Charoensinphon/Moment Collection via Getty Images

There are many ways to experience the rugged resplendence of the Last Frontier, from camping and hiking to stargazing and snowshoeing. But you don’t have to be an avid outdoor enthusiast to revel in the state’s untold beauty; simply buckle up and drive the Dalton Highway. Constructed in 1974, this 414-mile road passes through incredible landscapes that you simply won’t find anywhere else in the world, meriting the route a top spot on any adventurer’s bucket list. One of the most striking points of interest along the way is the Brooks Range, a 126-million-year-old mountain that spans from western Alaska all the way to Canada’s Yukon Territory. The entire range is within the Arctic Circle, and most of the drive along the Dalton is also within this grand region, too! The road is a designated Scenic Byway, too, and once you travel it for yourself, you’ll understand why.

Dalton Highway, Dalton Hwy, Alaska, USA

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