While driving from one state to another, have you ever wished you had a camera attached to your car? It’s not unusual because there are 2,674,826 miles of paved roads in the United States, which is more than any other country in the world. Plus, the highways in the United States are renowned for their scenic beauty, historical significance, and iconic landmarks.
If you are seeking adventure, exploration, and the open road, these famous routes promise a journey of discovery and wonder through the heart of the United States.
California Rt. 1
Popular sights: Hearst Castle in San Simeon, Point Lobos State Reserve, Big Sur State Park, and Pfeiffer Beach
Popular food stops: Nepenthe Restaurant in Big Sur, Hog Island Oyster Company in Tomales Bay, and The French Laundry in Yountville
The Blue Ridge Parkway
Popular sights: Shenandoah National Park, Pisgah National Forest, Oconaluftee Visitor Center in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Mabry Mill in Virginia, the Moses H. Cone Memorial Park in North Carolina
Popular food stops: The BBQ Exchange in Gordonsville, Virginia; the Tupelo Honey Cafe in Asheville, North Carolina; and the Woodlands Barbecue in Blowing Rock
U.S. Route 66
Popular sights: Ozark Mountains in Missouri, the Painted Desert in Arizona, and the Pacific Coast in California
Popular food stops: Lou Mitchell’s in Chicago, Illinois; the Ariston Café in Litchfield, Illinois; and the Midpoint Café in Adrian, Texas
Hana Highway
Popular sights: Paia Town, Ho’okipa lookout, Twin Falls, Waikamoi Ridge Trail, Garden Of Eden Arboretum, Kaumahina State Wayside Park, Honomanu Bay
Popular food stops: The Culinary Scene In Paia Town, Maui; Mama’s Fish House, Paia; Hali’imaile General Store, Hawaii; The Halfway To Hana Stand, Haiku
Great River Road
Popular sights: Vicksburg National Military Park in Mississippi; the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri; and the Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge in Louisiana
Popular food stops: The Frostop Drive-In in New Orleans, Louisiana; The Blue Owl in Kimmswick, Missouri; and Fitz’s Root Beer in St. Louis, Missouri
Beartooth Highway
Popular sights: Cooke City Memories, Cooke City Ghost Town, and Cooke City Mining
Popular food stops: Foster & Logans Pub and Grill, Red Lodge Ales, Red Lodge Cafe & Lounge, Carbon County Steakhouse, Piccola Cucina at Ox Pasture
Overseas Highway
Popular sights: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Village of Islands Founders Park, Long Key State Park, Curry Hammock State Park, Crane Point Hammock, Sombrero Beach, Seven Mile Bridge, Bahia Honda State Park, National Key Deer Refuge, Key West
Popular food stops: Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen II, Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory, M.E.A.T. Eatery and Taproom, Tacos Jalisco at Florida Keys Brewing Co., Hungry Tarpon Restaurant, No Name Pub, Blue Heaven
State Route 12
Popular sights: Red Canyon, Dixie National Forest, Bryce Canyon, Kodachrome Basin State Park, Grand Staircase Escalante, Calf Creek Recreation Area, Boulder, Capitol Reef National Park
Popular food stops: Escalante Outfitters Cafe, Escalante Mercantile, Magnolia’s Street Food, Circle D Eatery, Mimi’s Bakery & Deli, Georgie’s Outdoor Mexican Cafe, Nemo’s Drive Thru, 4th West Pub
Big Sur
Popular sights: Pfeiffer Beach, Bixby Bridge, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, Limekiln State Park, Ragged Point, Big Sur Station, Partington Cove, Garrapata State Park
Popular food stops: Deetjen’s, Nepenthe, Big Sur Coast Gallery Café, Big Sur Bakery and Restaurant, Big Sur Roadhouse, Ventana Inn, Big Sur River InnTreebones Resort Wild Coast Restaurant and Sushi Bar, Big Sur Deli
Kancamagus Highway
Popular sights: Lincoln Woods Trailhead, Hancock Overlook, Pemigewasset Overlook, CL Graham Wangan Overlook, Sugar Hill Overlook, Sabbaday Falls, Champney Falls Trailhead, Rocky Gorge Scenic Area, Lower Falls, Albany Covered Bridge
Popular food stops: 1869 Room at The Wentworth, Riverstones Bakery, Cheese Louise North Conway, Banners Restaurant, Almost There Restaurant, Dunkin’First Stop Deli, Sweet Maple Cafe, Abenaki Trail Restaurant & Pub