Jump right into the crown jewel of the North Atlantic coast with the Acadia National Park Loop. Located on Mt. Desert Island, this drive may be a mere 27 miles, but the road’s winding path and selective observation points meander through a breathtaking collection of lakes, mountains, forests and rocky seasides. With the added tinge of autumn, Maine’s infamous fall foliage can be spotted between the months of September and October so don’t hesitate! And if you’re especially lucky, maybe you’ll spot a deer or two. 

As one of the first auto-touring roads in the country (opened in 1914!), the Mohawk Trail Scenic Byway is nothing short of historic. Dotted along this 69-mile roadway is a vibrant variety of over 100 attractions to see and do. From thick forests and country inns, to fruit farms and art museums, the Mohawk Trail blends nature and creativity for a unique cultural experience. Perfect for the fall, it’s not uncommon to see the lush green forests dabble with golden splashes of red, yellow and orange. 

Billed as “America’s Favorite Drive,” the Blue Ridge Parkway is a nearly 500-mile stretch of two-lane road that winds along the spine of the Appalachian mountain chain in Virginia and North Carolina. Along this scenic byway you’ll enjoy stunning vistas, pastoral landscapes, and a speed limit that never exceeds 45 mph (so don’t be in a hurry!). Autumn is the perfect time to visit as the season brings an explosion of color to the hundreds of tree species along the route.

Looking to really get your kicks? Consider Route 66. Undoubtedly the most famous drive on our list, the “Mother Road” holds a special place in American history as the way west for millions escaping crop failure and crippling poverty in the 1930s. The route truly gained immortality after it was bypassed in the 1970s and 80s, leaving scores of abandoned towns along the way. These virtual time capsules continue to attract curious tourists from across the globe. Route 66 originally stretched from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, California. While much of its original 2,448 miles no longer exists, select portions are still accessible by car, especially west of Oklahoma City paralleling Interstate 40.

One of the shorter drives on our list—a mere 113 miles—the Overseas Highway more than makes up for its brevity with stunning costal scenery accessible from both sides of the car. Connecting Miami with Key West, the route crosses 42 bridges, including the famous Seven Mile Bridge at Marathon Key that spans (you guessed it) 7 miles. As an added bonus, once you arrive at your destination you’ll find yourself at the southernmost point in the continental United States (just 90 miles from Cuba).

Let’s preface this by saying that this one is not for the faint of heart, even for a million dollars! Stretching for about 25 miles between Silverton and Ouray, Colorado, the Million Dollar Highway (the origin of the name remains disputed) is a pulse-raising section of U.S. 550 featuring steep climbs, hairpin curves, and a noticeable lack of guardrails. In addition to breathtaking views, you’ll also encounter ancient hot springs, abandoned mining operations, and at least three high altitude lakes. Suffer from a fear of heights? Hug the inside curves by traveling north from Silverton to Ouray.

Are we alone? Who knows, but you’ll almost certainly be when you travel this otherworldly route through the Nevada desert. Passing by the super-secretive Area 51 military base (home to captured aliens some say) this lonely stretch of asphalt (also called Nevada State Route 375) has long been known as a UFO hotspot. While we can’t guarantee an encounter with tiny green men, you’ll certainly experience wide open roads and a rugged desert landscape that stretches to the horizon. When you need a break from the solitude, explore a few of the quirky roadside attractions inhabiting the 98-mile route…they’re out-of-this-world. 

If heaven had a highway, the angels would be cruising along the Road to Hana. One of the most scenic drives on earth, this narrow two-lane road is located on the northeast coastline of Maui, Hawaii and winds its way through lush rainforests that occasionally open up to reveal dramatic seascapes below. Featuring 620 curves, 59 bridges, and too many waterfalls to count, this 52-mile stretch of road between Kahului and Hana is not to be missed.

For many of us, Alaska is a bucket list destination. Incredibly vast and wild, just getting to the “Last Frontier” is an adventure in itself. But if you have the good fortune of doing so via automobile, taking the Alaska Canada Highway is well worth the effort. Constructed during World War II to connect Alaska to the contiguous United States through Canada, this 1,422 mile route starts in the tiny town of Dawson Creek, British Columbia and ends at Delta Junction, Alaska. Open year-round, the “Al-Can” traverses the Canadian Rockies and the Yukon Territory, offering spectacular scenery ranging from snow-capped mountains to rolling fields of wildflowers.

Known by many names—PCH, Route 1, Highway 101—the Pacific Coast Highway is the westernmost thruway in the Lower 48, hugging the rugged Pacific coastline from Washington to California. Whatever name you choose to call this route, it’s absolutely spectacular. Mostly two lanes and almost always within view of the Pacific Ocean, the Pacific Coast Highway gently winds its way down (or up) the coast, revealing stunning scenery all along the way. Just have time for a short stretch? Drive along the unforgettable Big Sur coastline in central California. While you’re there keep an eye out (and your camera handy) for McWay Falls in Julia Pfieffer Burns State Park and the magnificent Bixby Creek Bridge—neither is to be missed.