31 Scenic Drives Retirees Say Are Better When You Stop Often

31. Badlands Loop Road, South Dakota

This substantial, though doable in a day if you’re not in a big hurry, drive through Badlands National Park offers jaw-dropping views of the prairie and eroded buttes and ridges, with lots of places to pull over and take it all in.

Some of the best views are literally right next to the pavement. Best enjoyed in the morning or evening to escape the worst of the summer heat.

30. Red Rock Scenic Byway, Arizona

For those who want an array of jaw-dropping views of red cliffs and rock formations, but don’t have a lot of time, this short drive in Arizona packs quite a wallop.

Don’t use this drive simply as a way to get into Sedona faster though – spread out the itinerary to take advantage of the many interesting stops. Plan on time for a cup of Joe and lots of photos. Try to beat the crowds that descend at midday.

29. Colonial Parkway, Virginia

Not exactly white-knuckles stuff, the drive through historic and scenic areas in Virginia offers a nice change of pace for those seeking something other than twists and turns.

Enjoy broad river vistas as you make your way from Jamestown to Williamsburg to Yorktown. Plan on a full day.

28. Door County Coastal Byway, Wisconsin

If the retiree likes water, driving around Door County offers some of the best shoreline driving in the U.S.

There are many stops for village haunts, lighthouses, orchards and fish boils along the way.

27. M-22, Michigan

This drive through Michigan’s dune country isn’t terribly challenging, but rewards drivers with views of Lake Michigan and numerous side-tracks into small towns.

Detour into Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Stop for fresh-baked goods.

26. A1A Scenic And Historic Coastal Byway, Florida

If you thought there wasn’t much to see driving down Florida’s east coast, think again.

Enjoy some of the best ocean views on the East Coast, lots of old-timey architecture, and many quaint, easy-going beach communities to linger in.

25. Lake Tahoe East Shore Drive, Nevada

Enjoy views of mountains reflected in the pristine blue-green waters of Lake Tahoe in short, scenic hops along the east shore.

The water is so clear in places that it’s hard to tell where it ends and rocky shoreline begins.

Try to arrive in popular areas before parking becomes difficult.

24. Historic Columbia River Highway, Oregon

As its name implies, this drive still retains much of its old-world charm.

It may be worth booking another night at an intriguing-looking inn you pass by to extend the journey. After all, the goal is to enjoy the trip itself. Not just the destination.

23. Newfound Gap Road, Tennessee And North Carolina

The trip up Newfound Gap Road through the Smoky Mountains is as good as they come. There are plenty of places to pull over and enjoy the views of hazy blue ridges.

Don’t forget your jacket, however, as the trip does take you to some pretty lofty heights. Also, starting early in the day can help you beat the crowds. Check the forecast, since mountain weather can change quickly.

22. Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, South Dakota

Granite spires abound on this scenic trip through the Black Hills in South Dakota.

With tunnels, sharp curves, and plenty of pull-offs in the midst of dense forests, Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway has plenty of drama without the hassle of a strenuous hike.

21. Talimena National Scenic Byway, Oklahoma And Arkansas

Talimena offers a more low-key trip through the rugged ridges of the Ouachita Mountains. There are plenty of views, albeit without the drama of other drives. With numerous quaint, quiet, and interesting towns to stop in nearby, Talimena is perfect for a leisurely drive.

For more places to stop, HumbleTrail featured this article on underrated, charming, and coastal small towns worthy of an extended weekend. Read more: coastal small towns that are still worth the drive.

20. Cherohala Skyway, Tennessee And North Carolina

If Newfound Gap Road isn’t enough, consider Cherohala Skyway for more high-elevation views of pristine forest. Less crowded than some of the other drives in the region, this route is quieter and less traveled.

Plan accordingly – fill your tank and check the forecast as services are few and far between.

19. Great River Road, Multiple States

The Great River Road offers plenty of opportunities for a leisurely drive. From small towns to parks to historic sites to local cuisine, Great River Road can be customized into a leisurely drive for days.

Enjoy views of the mighty Mississippi and quaint old main streets. With so much to see, Great River Road begs for exploration – museums, bluffs, parks, historic sites – the list goes on and on.

18. Lake Superior North Shore Drive, Minnesota

The North Shore of Minnesota offers a leisurely trip along Lake Superior. From state parks to local cuisine to charming harbor towns to rocky shores, the North Shore of Lake Superior is a leisurely drive for days.

Take your time – weather can change rapidly.

17. Acadia Park Loop Road, Maine

Granite peaks, dense spruce, and views of the churning North Atlantic – Acadia National Park delivers it all on a leisurely circuit on the Park Loop Road.

With so much to see – rocky shores and quiet ponds – it’s easy to enjoy the circuit for hours on end.

For more national parks to read about, check out our article on U.S. national parks that travelers argue are overrated.

16. Outer Banks Scenic Byway, North Carolina

There’s no rushing an Outer Banks trip. The water slows everything down, the ferries have schedules and the islands are so skinny that getting around can be complicated. Trying to hurry along this route can be frustrating. Consider the drive itself your trip and the Outer Banks Scenic Byway is far more enjoyable.

Take a ferry. Stay a night in a historic hotel. Enjoy some seafood. For a list of historic hotels to visit on your next trip, HumbleTrail featured this great list on historic and unique hotels. Read more: historic hotels worth every dollar.

15. Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire

Known for its fall foliage but beautiful any time of the year, the Kancamagus Highway is a gorgeous, twisty forest road with plenty of river vistas.

Efficiency is not this route’s strong suit. To get the most out of it, leave room in your itinerary for a picnic by the river and a short hike along its banks.

14. Hana Highway, Maui

We hesitate to recommend this drive for retirees. It is a lot of driving with many tempting stopping spots along the way. The constant bridges and wet surfaces might be a lot for some.

We suggest considering a partial drive or hiring a tour to make the most of it.

13. Seward Highway, Alaska

Mountains, glaciers, wildlife, lakes, rivers, fjords. You name it and chances are you’ll see it from the Seward Highway. Much of Alaska’s appeal is its big-ticket items. Keep your attention on the road and use safe pull-offs to enjoy the vistas.

Keep an eye on the weather and enjoy the show. Save other Alaska adventures for a second trip.

12. Overseas Highway, Florida Keys

Like the Outer Banks, the Overseas Highway offers an island-hopping experience without the plane tickets or the hassle of a multi-week resort reservation.

Bridges abound on the drive to Key West, meaning you’ll have water views throughout the trip. Read more: Caribbean islands travelers debate most. Read more: all-inclusives some guests regret booking.

11. Million Dollar Highway, Colorado

The Million Dollar Highway earns its name with jaw-dropping vistas between Ouray and Silverton. This route is more suited to thrill-seekers with its steep grades and drops. Mountain weather is also notoriously finicky so be sure to check the forecast.

Also on HumbleTrail: Overlooked American West stops. Read more: overlooked American West stops.

10. San Juan Skyway, Colorado

For a longer Colorado trip, consider the San Juan Skyway. The loop includes the Million Dollar Highway, so completing it means taking on that demanding stretch too. It offers insight into the area’s mining history and can be broken up over several days.

Set out and travel through gorgeous mountain communities, stopping for hikes, wildlife viewing and fall foliage along the way.

9. Beartooth Highway, Montana And Wyoming

Another option for retirees comfortable with demanding mountain roads, the Beartooth Highway is a scenic drive at altitude. While it is known for its treacherous curves, the drive is worth it for stunning mountain and lake views, many of them close to Yellowstone National Park.

As with many mountain roads, the Beartooth closes seasonally so check road conditions before setting off and make sure to pack a sweater.

8. Trail Ridge Road, Colorado

The great views on Trail Ridge Road are balanced by the capricious weather. Driving above the treeline is accessible to everyday drivers and a thrill for many, but alpine tundra has its rules.

If it’s too windy or crowded or if the thin air has gotten the best of you, it’s perfectly OK to turn around when you can do so safely. Drink plenty of water and use designated pull-offs to stretch out and take in the views.

7. Going-To-The-Sun Road, Montana

Going-to-the-Sun Road is one of those scenic drives you’ll be happy you saw. Buckle up for jaw-dropping alpine scenery, waterfalls and cliff-hanging views.

Check with the national park for road conditions before your trip to see if there is construction, special parking rules or shuttle service that fits your plans.

6. Oregon Coast Highway, Oregon

There’s no single destination that defines a trip along the Oregon Coast, which is defined by the lighthouses, fishing villages and state parks you visit along the way.

Break up the drive into manageable pieces and spend multiple days on it, stopping often to explore tide pools, walk along fog-shrouded beaches and feast on local seafood.

5. Utah Scenic Byway 12

Like many great views in Utah, Byway 12 rewards those who take their time. Make a list of the places you want to visit and build in plenty of time to explore, which includes short hikes through red-rock country, over slickrock and into canyons.

Resist the temptation to cover too much ground because it’s OK if you have to come back another day. Byway 12 will be waiting.

4. Pacific Coast Highway Through Big Sur, California

The light on the Pacific, the sheer number of great photo ops – California’s Big Sur coastline has a cinematic feel.

Plan accordingly, check for road conditions before you go as the road has been known to close, break the trip into manageable pieces and spend the night so you don’t have to feel like you’re rushing.

3. Skyline Drive, Virginia

Skyline Drive may be shorter than some famous scenic drives, but that doesn’t mean you need to cover it in a day, especially if you plan to explore.

If you don’t feel up to long hikes, Skyline Drive has numerous viewpoints from the car. Come midweek when there’s less traffic, and keep an eye out for wildlife.

2. Natchez Trace Parkway, Mississippi To Tennessee

The Natchez Trace Parkway is one of those rare roads without gas stations, motels and other clutter.

Take advantage of the quiet, historic corridor by breaking it down into sections to explore and stopping to learn about the parkway’s unique history.

1. Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia And North Carolina

The Blue Ridge Parkway isn’t for covering ground, but rather a ridgeline road built with the assumption that you’ll stop frequently. That said, the Parkway is so long it is tough to see it all at once.

Use towns like Asheville, NC and Boone, NC as a base to explore nearby sections of Parkway. That way, no matter what route you take, you won’t feel like you’re working too hard to see it all.