Are you A Road Trip Enthusiast Looking For Your Next Adventure? Here Is Where You Should Head in 2024.
The United States of America is home to some of the world’s most beautiful and awe-inspiring scenic roads. I love road trips, and I’ve visited the country 10+ times with a total stay time of over one year. With so many incredible drives, my options were endless.
Out of thousands of iconic road trips across the country, I’ve narrowed it down to the three most beautiful options over my many visits. These are The Hana Highway in Hawaii, the Going-To-The-Sun Road in Montana, and the famous Highway 1 to Big Sur, California.
These three drives unlock the diverse magic of the United States landscape. You’ll see everything from leafy inland mountain regions to the rugged tropical coastline. So buckle up and learn about these three unearthly U.S. road trips that you must do before you die.
The Hana Highway | HI
Out of all the incredible road trips around the U.S., the Hana Highway has to be one of the most scenic. This 64-mile route on the leafy green island of Maui, Hawaii, connects the town of Kaluhui with the town of Hanna. It offers some of the most spectacular views you can find on the islands.
Without stopping, the trip takes just 3 hours, but not stopping is out of the question. With lava tubes, cascading waterfalls, pristine beaches and some of the world’s most delicious banana bread, this iconic road will most likely take over 9 hours to complete.
Where to Stop
The Hana Highway is even more well known for its scenic stops than it is for the actual road. So… here are some of the best things to do along the highway!
1. Ho’okipa Beach Park
Located around mile marker 9, Ho’okipa Beach Park is world famous for its massive surfing and windsurfing break. Though only the most confident surfers should get in the water here, the lookout and beach are excellent places to relax and watch the action from afar.
2. Hana Lava Tube
At one point, the Hana Lava Tube was full of running lava; today, the hollow remaining is the perfect place to stop and explore along the Hana Highway.
Drive to mile marker 31 and turn left onto Ulaino Road to get there. After following the signs you’ll find yourself at the entrance to the tube. Make sure to bring a flashlight to take a self-guided tour!
3. Wailea Falls
These incredible falls are so close to the highway that you can even see them from the road around mile 45. But if you really want to experience their awe-inspiring beauty, turn off the highway and park in the nearby car park to get a closer look.
The falls cascade through lush green rainforest, and even though it’s so close to the road, it couldn’t feel more magical. This could even be a great place to have a picnic lunch (or a tasty banana bread).
4. Delicious Local Banana Bread
I’ve already mentioned banana bread a few times; why? Because along Hana Highway is where you can find some of the most delicious bites in all of Hawaii. Made fresh by locals and sold in stands on the side of the road, the banana bread makes the perfect road trip snack.
The ‘Halfway To Hana’ stand is the most popular, and they even sell sandwiches and shaved ice, too. So, although you should pack two good meals, you will have access to tasty eats.
Going-To-The-Sun Road | MT
With a name like ‘Going-to-the-sun Road’, you know it has to be absolutely beautiful. And this road does more than live up to its name. It’s considered by many to be the most magical drive in all of the continental United States.
The 2-hour trip (without stops) through Montana’s famous Glacier National Park is an experience you’ll never forget. With incredible mountain views, wildflowers, untouched wilderness, flora and fauna, It’s candy for the eyes.
Where to Stop
Stop to hike the Avalanche Lake Trail, where you’ll find a beautiful cedar forest and a bright green mountain lake. If you want a challenge, head up to the Highline trail for incredible views of the valley. For a quick dip, stop at St Mary Falls, a beautiful spot to sit and relax in nature.
You’ll find incredible lookout points over the mountains, valleys, falls, and glaciers along the road. You’ll drive under magical stone arches, wind along the mountain’s edge and see some of the best views of your life.
Entrance and Reservations
As with most U.S. National parks, there are a few things to remember. The first is that, due to a high volume of visitors, the park’s service has been forced to limit entrance to continue to preserve the pristine wilderness. You’ll need a valid park pass and a reservation ticket (a small $2 fee) to enter. You’ll also need a vehicle of an approved size (no longer than 21 feet).
Both park passes and reservation tickets can be difficult to get. If you’re dedicated to driving the road (which I really think you should be!), you’ll want to check the National Parks Service Site for updates about availability.
Highway 1 To Big Sur | CA
In 2022, I spent just over a week driving up and back down the world-famous Highway 1. I drove all the way from Los Angeles to San Francisco, passing through the world-famous Big Sur.It was one of the greatest weeks of my life, and I truly believe everyone should experience its beauty.
The drive can be anywhere from 1 day to over one week, depending on where you stop and, really, how long you have. To experience the true magic of the Californian coastline, I couldn’t recommend more that you set aside a minimum of 4 days for the journey.
As you drive along the winding cliff edge, you’ll have views of the mountainous coastline, ocean cliffs and crashing waves. Lined with wildflowers, beaches, and coastal towns, with unexplainable magic in the air, there’s nothing quite like Highway 1.
Where to Stop
Along the way, you have to stop at the world-famous Big Sur. Head to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve to see incredible landscapes, hike, and relax in Californian nature. Head to the famous Bixby Creek Bridge for a view I’m sure you’ll recognise, and Pfeiffer Beach to relax by the shore.
Next, you must stop by the Elephant Seal Vista Point; when I say I saw hundreds of seals, I really did see hundreds! Pigeon Point Light Station State Park is one of the most picturesque lighthouses in the U.S. and a must-see along the coast. Then, finally, a stop in Monterrey is a must and is a great place to spend the night.
It’s important to note that sections of Highway 1 are currently closed, specifically around Limekiln State Park. This doesn’t mean you can’t experience much of the beautiful road though, you’ll just have to stay up to date on closures and plan around them.
Conclusion: The Most Beautiful U.S Road Trips You Must Do This Year
With these three incredible road trips, there’ll be no shortage of adventure in the upcoming months. From the unearthly Californian coastline to the lush rainforest of Maui and the mountainous wonders of Glacier National Park, the opportunities are endless.
So what are you waiting for? Get exploring!
