Top U.S. Highways That Make Solo Travel Worth It

Would you love to go on an adventure where it’s just you and the open road? Choosing the right route contributes to perfecting your trip. In America, there are many scenic drives that are perfect for solo travelers who want to experience the country at their own pace. This list explores the best of them.

Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway stretches 469 miles through Virginia and North Carolina, providing a serene drive through the Appalachian Mountains. Ideal for solo travelers, it offers over 200 overlooks to enjoy stunning views. The route also connects hiking trails and waterfalls, which is perfect for nature lovers.

Route 66

From Chicago to Santa Monica, Route 66 is a nostalgic journey through America’s past. You’ll pass through charming towns like Albuquerque and Tulsa, where retro roadside diners and vintage gas stations showcase the country’s rich history and unique culture. It’s a must-drive for anyone looking for a classic American experience.

Pacific Coast Highway

California’s coastline unfurls along the Pacific Coast Highway, where rugged cliffs meet secluded beaches. Iconic stops like Bixby Creek Bridge and Carmel-by-the-Sea await. Solo travelers on this scenic route will enjoy endless freedom to stop, explore, and breathe in the ocean air.

Beartooth Highway

For thrill-seekers, the Beartooth Highway is a dream come true. Connecting Montana and Wyoming, this high-altitude route takes you on a wild ride through mountainous terrain, with hairpin curves and stunning vistas around every bend. At nearly 11,000 feet, the air is crisp, and the scenery is unforgettable.

Utah’s Highway 12

Utah’s Highway 12 winds through deep canyons and dramatic rock formations. It offers a journey across some of the country’s most striking scenery. Each stop invites adventure and discovery along the way. If you want to pause for a bit and explore, you will find this stretch truly immersive.

Great River Road

Stretching across ten states, the Great River Road follows the winding Mississippi and blends natural beauty with deep cultural roots. Get ready to discover what nature preserves, but don’t skip the historic landmarks and interesting river towns. From Memphis’s music heritage to Natchez’s southern charm, each stop reveals a unique slice of America.  

California’s Lost Coast

Driving through California’s Lost Coast means pure seclusion, not adjusting to the usual tourist crowds. Big forests open onto quiet beaches where nature remains untouched. It’s a highway that rewards those craving peace and raw beauty—a rare escape for people who prefer a calm drive.

Olympic Peninsula

Washington’s Olympic Peninsula is a nature lover’s paradise. Diverse ecosystems thrive here, from misty rainforests to rugged coastlines and alpine peaks. Ancient forests and dramatic Pacific coastlines await exploration and offer enough natural beauty that you’ll never forget.

Natchez Trace Parkway

The Natchez Trace Parkway winds 444 miles from Nashville to Natchez, weaving through quiet woods and along historic routes. You’ll see age-old places and peaceful stops perfect for a little bit of self-reflection. This journey offers an escape from the noise of everyday living.

Overseas Highway

Road trippers enjoy a unique experience at The Overseas Highway. Connecting mainland Florida to the islands, this 113-mile route offers some of the clearest ocean views. You can pause to enjoy the calming sound of waves or make memories in one of the charming towns along the way.

Michigan’s Tunnel Of Trees

Along Michigan’s M-119, the Tunnel of Trees makes for a wonderful drive through a canopy of trees and stunning views of Lake Michigan. As you follow the narrow road, the natural beauty of the surroundings will amaze you. It’s a peaceful route, best for those who want to drive while soaking in natural beauty.

San Juan Skyway

Snow-capped peaks and alpine meadows define Colorado’s San Juan Skyway, a breathtaking route through rugged mountains. Historic mining towns like Silverton and Ouray continue to impress adventurers and nature lovers. With numerous hiking trails and stunning viewpoints, this highway offers a memorable high-country experience.

Historic Columbia River Highway

Built between 1913 and 1922, Oregon’s Historic Columbia River Highway is a masterpiece of engineering and nature’s paradise. Multnomah Falls and Crown Point present mesmerizing views of the Columbia River Gorge you won’t forget. You’ll be gliding through one of America’s most stunning natural wonders. 

Needles Highway

Striking granite spires and dramatic rock formations make the Needles Highway hard to forget. Winding through the Black Hills, the road’s narrow tunnels and sharp curves add a thrill to the scenery. Wildlife sightings, from bighorn sheep to mountain goats, add even more magic to the journey.

Kancamagus Highway

Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire is one of New England’s finest autumn drives. Mid-October brings peak color when fiery leaves light up the trees. You can wander on a short trail and soak in the crisp mountain air. The vivid glow defines a New England fall.