Top Scenic Drives for Weekend Getaways

Few pleasures rival the simple joy of hitting the open road. When the week feels long and the daily routine dulls your spark, there's nothing quite like escaping into a world of trees, tides, and mountain breezes. Weekend scenic drives offer an instant antidote to the mundane, bringing excitement, tranquility, and jaw-dropping views in one unforgettable package.

Whether you're craving coastal serenity, alpine drama, or rural charm, there's a scenic route waiting to whisk you away. Let’s explore the best drives that promise the kind of weekend you’ll want to relive again and again.

Pacific Coast Highway – California Dreaming

With cliffs that tumble into frothy surf and sunsets that set the sky ablaze, California’s Highway 1 is a bucket-list beauty. The stretch between Monterey and San Luis Obispo, especially through Big Sur, is particularly cinematic. Towering redwoods meet crashing waves, while curvy roads invite you to slow down and savor every moment.

Perfect for weekend scenic drives, this route blends nature’s drama with roadside charm. Stop by McWay Falls, dine in Carmel-by-the-Sea, or take a breezy walk along Pfeiffer Beach. Every mile is a postcard.

Blue Ridge Parkway – Appalachian Majesty

Winding through the Blue Ridge Mountains from Virginia to North Carolina, this is one of the most iconic roadways in the U.S. Nicknamed “America’s Favorite Drive,” it’s famed for its sweeping views, historic tunnels, and peaceful overlooks.

Ideal for a tranquil weekend scenic drive, the Parkway dazzles in fall with its vibrant foliage, but each season offers a distinct charm. Wildflowers bloom in spring, summer offers cool mountain breezes, and winter brings misty mornings perfect for introspective drives. Stop at Mabry Mill or Linville Falls to stretch your legs and let nature work its magic.

Going-to-the-Sun Road – Montana’s Alpine Gem

Glacier National Park’s crown jewel, this road is a marvel of engineering and natural beauty. Open seasonally in summer, it slices through towering peaks and glacial valleys with thrilling drop-offs and crystal-clear lakes.

It’s a shorter route—about 50 miles—but it packs in an astonishing variety of views. For an invigorating weekend scenic drive, pair it with hikes to Logan Pass or Hidden Lake. Keep an eye out for mountain goats, wildflowers, and perhaps even a bear or two in the distance.

Highway 89A – Arizona’s Red Rock Ribbon

From Sedona to Flagstaff, this crimson-hued corridor winds through Oak Creek Canyon and serves up sandstone cliffs, forested curves, and spiritual serenity. The contrasting landscapes—vivid red rocks to evergreen pines—create a visual symphony you won’t forget.

This weekend scenic drive is perfect for those who want both relaxation and a touch of adventure. Explore vortex sites, visit Slide Rock State Park, or enjoy a sunset from Schnebly Hill Road. The desert meets the mountains in this unforgettable tapestry.

The Kancamagus Highway – New Hampshire Charm

Locals call it “The Kanc,” and once you’ve driven it, you’ll understand why it’s beloved. This 34-mile route cuts through the heart of the White Mountain National Forest, offering rugged beauty and iconic New England vistas.

During autumn, it's a kaleidoscope of gold and crimson. But any season is ideal for a weekend scenic drive here—summer brings cool forest shade, and winter turns the landscape into a snow globe. Pause at Lower Falls or hike to Sabbaday Falls for a splash of refreshment.

Beartooth Highway – The Roof of the Rockies

If you crave elevation and pure wilderness, Beartooth Highway delivers a jaw-dropping experience. Connecting Red Lodge, Montana, to the northeast entrance of Yellowstone, it reaches altitudes over 10,000 feet and offers a surreal panorama of peaks, glaciers, and alpine lakes.

For a thrilling weekend scenic drive, this route is unmatched. The road’s serpentine switchbacks and ever-changing weather keep you alert, while the scenery keeps you awe-struck. Bring layers, a camera, and a sense of wonder.

Olympic Peninsula Loop – Rainforest Meets Coast

Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula Loop drive is a visual feast of ecosystems. In just a few hours, you’ll pass misty beaches, moss-draped rainforests, and snow-capped peaks. Start in Port Angeles and circle the peninsula for a nature-packed weekend escape.

With stops like Hoh Rainforest, Ruby Beach, and Lake Crescent, this weekend scenic drive blends tranquility with a wild edge. Don’t forget your binoculars—bald eagles and sea otters often make appearances.

Route 100 – Vermont’s Quintessential Charm

Vermont’s Route 100 offers a storybook escape through pastoral valleys, sugar maple forests, and charming villages. It’s especially vibrant in autumn, when the landscape ignites in fiery hues. But each season carries its own quiet grace.

This is one of the coziest weekend scenic drives in the Northeast. Stop at a cider mill, browse antique shops, or simply roll down the window and breathe in that crisp, earthy air.

Tail of the Dragon – Curves and Thrills

This one’s for the adrenaline seekers. On the border of Tennessee and North Carolina, US Route 129—nicknamed the Tail of the Dragon—boasts 318 curves in just 11 miles. It’s a mecca for motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts.

While it’s short, this weekend scenic drive is unforgettable. Tucked near Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it pairs thrill with thick forest, misty hills, and that wonderful scent of pine. Drive with care—and enjoy the ride.

Columbia River Gorge – Oregon’s Cascade Masterpiece

The Columbia River Gorge combines lush greenery, majestic waterfalls, and dramatic cliffs. Stretching east from Portland, this route blends raw natural beauty with cultural richness. You’ll pass Multnomah Falls, one of the tallest in the country, and wind through a landscape sculpted by volcanic power and time.

As a weekend scenic drive, it’s a harmonious blend of wilderness and accessibility. Pull over for hikes, wine tastings, or just to admire the view. Every curve holds something exquisite.

Make Your Getaway a Great One

The beauty of weekend scenic drives lies not just in the destinations but in the journey itself. It’s in the winding roads, the unexpected stops, the conversations sparked by beauty, and the memories forged with each mile.

You don’t need a passport or a long vacation to reconnect with awe. Sometimes, all it takes is a map, a good playlist, and a road that leads you somewhere breathtaking.

So go ahead—fuel up, roll down the windows, and follow the road wherever it leads. There’s a scenic drive out there with your name on it.