Best States for Road Trips (2025)

Best States for Road Trips: Scenic Byways and Must-See Attractions

Road trips are one of the best ways to explore the beauty, culture, and attractions that the United States has to offer. Some states stand out for their breathtaking scenic byways, unique landmarks, and unforgettable experiences that make every mile worth the drive. Here are the best states for road trips in 2025, offering a mix of adventure, relaxation, and discovery.

1. California

California offers diverse landscapes and iconic road trip routes.
Scenic Byways: The Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) is a must-drive, showcasing dramatic ocean views, cliffs, and charming coastal towns like Monterey and Big Sur.
Attractions: From the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco to Yosemite National Park and Hollywood in Los Angeles, California has endless attractions.
Why It’s Great: California’s mix of beaches, mountains, and cities provides something for every road tripper.

2. Colorado

Colorado’s scenic drives are perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Scenic Byways: The San Juan Skyway offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains, while Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park reaches breathtaking heights.
Attractions: Highlights include Aspen, Garden of the Gods, and Mesa Verde National Park.
Why It’s Great: Colorado’s combination of rugged beauty and outdoor activities makes it an ideal state for a memorable road trip.

3. Oregon

Oregon’s diverse landscapes make it a top destination for road trips.
Scenic Byways: The Historic Columbia River Highway offers waterfalls and gorge views, while the Oregon Coast Highway provides breathtaking ocean vistas.
Attractions: Crater Lake National Park, Mount Hood, and the quirky city of Portland are road trip highlights.
Why It’s Great: Oregon’s blend of lush forests, coastal beauty, and unique culture ensures a road trip full of surprises.

4. Utah

Utah is a dream destination for those seeking dramatic landscapes and outdoor adventures.
Scenic Byways: The Utah National Parks Highway connects the “Mighty Five” parks—Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands, and Capitol Reef.
Attractions: Must-see stops include Monument Valley, the Great Salt Lake, and Dead Horse Point State Park.
Why It’s Great: Utah’s stunning natural wonders make it a bucket-list destination for any road trip enthusiast.

5. Florida

Florida’s sunny weather and vibrant attractions make it a road trip favorite.
Scenic Byways: The Overseas Highway takes you through the Florida Keys with picturesque ocean views. The A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway highlights Florida’s Atlantic coastline.
Attractions: Popular stops include Miami’s South Beach, Walt Disney World, and the Everglades.
Why It’s Great: Florida offers a mix of natural beauty, iconic attractions, and a tropical vibe that’s perfect for road trippers.

6. Arizona

Arizona’s iconic landscapes provide some of the most memorable road trip experiences.
Scenic Byways: The Red Rock Scenic Byway in Sedona and the Apache Trail offer stunning desert and canyon views.
Attractions: The Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and Route 66 landmarks are must-see stops.
Why It’s Great: Arizona’s dramatic scenery and historic attractions make it a standout state for road trips.

7. New York

New York offers more than just its iconic city—it’s a fantastic state for road tripping.
Scenic Byways: The Adirondack Trail and the Catskill Mountains Scenic Byway offer incredible views of forests and peaks.
Attractions: Explore Niagara Falls, the Finger Lakes wine region, and historic Hudson Valley towns.
Why It’s Great: New York’s mix of natural beauty and cultural attractions ensures a diverse road trip experience.

8. Alaska

Alaska’s untamed wilderness makes it an unforgettable road trip destination.
Scenic Byways: The Seward Highway provides breathtaking views of glaciers, fjords, and mountains. The Dalton Highway takes you through remote wilderness to the Arctic Circle.
Attractions: Denali National Park, Kenai Fjords, and wildlife sightings are road trip highlights.
Why It’s Great: Alaska’s unparalleled natural beauty offers a once-in-a-lifetime road trip experience.

9. Tennessee

Tennessee blends scenic drives with rich music and cultural heritage.
Scenic Byways: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to stunning routes like Newfound Gap Road and Cades Cove Loop Road.
Attractions: Music lovers will enjoy stops in Nashville and Memphis, while Chattanooga’s Lookout Mountain offers scenic views.
Why It’s Great: Tennessee’s combination of scenic landscapes and cultural attractions creates a well-rounded road trip.

10. Maine

Maine’s coastal charm and natural beauty make it a road trip favorite.
Scenic Byways: The Acadia All-American Road winds through Acadia National Park, offering stunning ocean and forest views.
Attractions: Highlights include Bar Harbor, Portland’s Old Port, and picturesque lighthouses along the coast.
Why It’s Great: Maine’s serene landscapes and charming towns create a peaceful and picturesque road trip experience.

Conclusion

For road trip enthusiasts, the best states offer a mix of scenic byways, unique attractions, and unforgettable experiences. California and Colorado shine with their diverse landscapes, while Florida and Utah provide iconic destinations for adventure and relaxation. Whether you prefer dramatic mountains, sunny beaches, or cultural landmarks, these states offer the perfect backdrop for your next road trip.