Best national parks for scenic drives

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Scenic auto touring through canyon country at no entrance cost

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Auto touring through remote northeastern Washington highlands with virtually no crowds

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Driving the Energy Loop - Huntington/Eccles Canyons Scenic Byway as a route connecting to Moab or the San Rafael Swell

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Wildlife Drive auto tour through open tidal marsh with frequent eagle and waterfowl sightings

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Auto tour route through wetland and upland habitat for accessible wildlife viewing

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Auto touring the refuge loop for close wildlife viewing without leaving your vehicle

Why it ranks for scenic drives: A 33-mile backcountry auto tour through stark lava country with almost no development or traffic

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Scenic drives on Hot Springs Mountain Road with city and forest overlooks

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Skyline Drive: a roughly 100-mile scenic road running the full length of the park with frequent pull-offs and trailhead access

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Rim Rock Drive: a roughly 23-mile scenic road tracing canyon rims with pull-offs above sheer sandstone walls

Why it ranks for scenic drives: This is not a park for casual scenic drives.

Why it ranks for scenic drives: The park road forms the core experience; most visitors complete it in half a day, stopping at overlooks and short walks.

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Scenic driving the Desert View corridor with multiple distinct overlooks

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Summit Road scenic drive with panoramic views of the North Platte River valley

Why it ranks for scenic drives: There is no central entrance, no single visitor center, and no iconic overlook.

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Auto touring routes that provide accessible wildlife viewing without requiring a boat

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Auto tour route through managed wetland pools with consistent wildlife sightings

Why it ranks for scenic drives: OHV access on primitive side roads branching off the main byway

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Auto touring the refuge loop through Missouri River floodplain habitats

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Auto touring refuge roads for accessible wildlife viewing without a boat or long hike

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Free auto touring route providing accessible wildlife viewing without leaving your vehicle

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Auto tour route through managed wetland impoundments for close wildlife viewing from your vehicle

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Auto tour route through oak savanna, prairie, and wetland habitats in a single loop

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Scenic auto touring routes that provide access points into otherwise remote terrain

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Auto touring through managed marsh impoundments with dense concentrations of waterfowl and shorebirds

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Auto tour route for accessible wildlife scanning without leaving your vehicle

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Scenic drive through Navajo sandstone canyon walls with road-cycling appeal

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Auto touring route through wetland impoundments and grassland units - the backbone of a wildlife-viewing visit

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Auto tour loop offering close-up wetland and riparian wildlife viewing from your vehicle

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Auto touring the refuge roads for close-range views of waterfowl, wading birds, and marsh wildlife

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Resident bison herd viewable on the auto tour and from hiking trails

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Auto tour route covering mixed-grass prairie and wetland habitats

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Biking the scenic drive or surrounding roads with dramatic canyon backdrops

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Auto touring the park as a scenic connector between Bryce Canyon and Grand Staircase - Escalante destinations

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Auto tour loop through active wetland impoundments, one of the best ways to observe migratory waterfowl from your vehicle

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Auto tour route covering diverse habitat from wetlands to bottomland hardwood forest

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Auto touring the 35-mile Souris River corridor during spring and fall waterfowl migrations

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Auto touring the Old Spanish Trail corridor, a historically layered county road connecting the park to the broader region

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Auto tour route through a mosaic of wetlands, pine stands, and croplands purpose-built for wildlife observation

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Auto touring route for wildlife viewing when trails are wet or time is short

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Tule elk viewable from dedicated auto tour routes, one of the few reliable spots in California for this endemic subspecies

Why it ranks for scenic drives: A single dramatic overlook with 800-foot canyon depth and 1,300-foot rim-to-rim views of basalt and rhyolite walls

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Scenic auto touring through dense Mt.

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Visitors can drive, bike, hike, or ride horses, stopping at historical sites, trailheads, campgrounds, and overlooks along the way.

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Glacier-carved gorge overlooks along the 52-mile Backcountry Byway, including Kiger and East Rim

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Scenic auto touring routes that follow the historic corridor through dramatically varied landscapes across five states

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Self-guided auto tour connecting preserved earthworks and fortification positions

Why it ranks for scenic drives: This unit offers no grand overlooks or iconic geologic features.

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Casual day-trippers seeking paved overlooks should look elsewhere.

Why it ranks: Grand Teton National Park offers diverse appeal.

Why it ranks for scenic drives: This is not a windshield park; paved overlooks and easy payoffs are absent.

Why it ranks for scenic drives: However, those prioritizing dramatic scenic overlooks may be underwhelmed.

Why it ranks for scenic drives: The McCarthy Road scenic drive, a gravel route leading to the historic Kennecott copper mining district

Why it ranks for scenic drives: However, visitors seeking a developed resort beach or quick scenic overlook will be disappointed.

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Scenic drive through rhyolite pinnacle formations rising to over 7,300 feet elevation

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Driving the full Rim Drive with continuous caldera overlooks from multiple elevations

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Going-to-the-Sun Road - a scenic drive across the Continental Divide that reaches true alpine elevations without a single trail step

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Visitors can enjoy a rewarding day on a scenic road loop with short front-country hikes and wildflower meadows.

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Scenic driving route with high-bluff overlooks accessible by car

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Even winter adventurers and scenic drivers are well-catered for.

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Sandstone Bluffs Overlook at sunset, where red sandstone and black lava create a striking visual contrast

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Rim road scenic drive above one of the deepest canyons in the eastern United States

Why it ranks for scenic drives: A half-day scenic drive or a full weekend of hiking and camping are both viable options.

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Scenic overlook drives above the Snake River canyon framing the fossil-bearing bluffs

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Driving the scenic road deep into the world's largest gypsum dunefield

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Nine rim overlooks on two separate drives offering canyon and cliff dwelling views with no guide required

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Self-guided auto tour across the actual 1876 battlefield terrain with marked positions

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Recorded activities and topics here include auto touring.

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Recorded activities and topics here include auto touring.

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Its official NPS record lists auto touring for this recreation area.

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Documents auto touring among its National Park Service activity and topic listings.

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Mountain biking and scenic auto touring through the dramatic spire landscape

Why it ranks for scenic drives: This is not a park for casual viewpoints or overlooks.

Why it ranks for scenic drives: The parks accommodate both brief scenic drives and extensive, week-long backcountry expeditions.

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Self-guided auto tour covering the full sweep of the three-day battle across preserved ground

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Visitors can engage in hiking, paddling, fishing, and scenic drives, with direct access to the Tallapoosa River.

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Self-guided walking and auto tours that let you pace your own exploration of the battlefield

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Nine-stop auto tour road traversing the actual 1777 battlefield terrain, open April through November

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Self-guided auto tour through the full Shiloh battlefield, interpretable at your own pace

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Self-guided auto tour threading through earthworks, artillery positions, and reconstructed log huts

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Self-guided auto tour road covering the core battlefield terrain with interpretive stops

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Self-guided auto tour covering the battlefield terrain where Federal troops held against a force three times their size

Why it ranks: This park is a clear choice for Civil War history enthusiasts, offering substantial interpretive depth.

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Fall foliage scenic drives along both the Pennsylvania and New Jersey banks in October

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Self-guided auto tour following the actual phases of the March 1781 battle across the preserved landscape

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Others are more suited to scenic drives or museum visits.

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Travelers must select a segment, plan their route, and assemble the expedition's narrative from disparate visitor centers, river access points, historic sites, and scenic byways.

Why it ranks for scenic drives: The four-mile, eight-stop Eastern Front auto tour road, which traces the siege lines at a walkable, bikeable pace

Why it ranks for scenic drives: 16-mile auto tour road through preserved siege lines, earthworks, and artillery positions

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Scenic drive to Montezuma Pass with sweeping views of the U.S.-Mexico border region

Why it ranks for scenic drives: This is not a park for scenic overlooks or pristine wilderness communion.

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Self-guided auto tours that structure the experience across specific regional segments

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Auto touring a specific state segment to follow the original 1846 to 1847 wagon route across real landscapes

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Scenic auto tour routes that trace the original emigrant path through open plains and mountain terrain

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Auto touring routes that trace the actual removal paths across nine states

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Instead, a dispersed network of sites, interpretive museums, scenic drives, and hiking segments spans two states, managed by multiple landowners.

Why it ranks for scenic drives: Scenic drive approach to the grounds that transitions visitors into the tone of the site

Why it ranks: Bighorn Canyon’s reservoir is its central feature; boaters, anglers, and paddlers will find the most to engage them here.

Why it ranks: This destination caters to the self-sufficient.

Why it ranks: This unit caters to specific interests.

Why it ranks: This park caters to specific interests.

Why it ranks: This destination caters well to families with watercraft or those with rental budgets, water sports enthusiasts, and campers establishing a base for multi-day lake exploration.

Why it ranks: This destination caters to water sports enthusiasts, boating families, and anglers.

Why it ranks: This park offers diverse appeal.

Why it ranks: This unit caters to the self-sufficient.

Why it ranks: This destination offers broad appeal for outdoor enthusiasts, making it suitable for groups with diverse interests.

Why it ranks: This park excels for specific outdoor pursuits.

Why it ranks: This destination offers broad appeal.

Why it ranks: This seashore suits beach-going families, surf fishermen, kayakers, surfers, birders, and anyone who wants a multi-day outdoor coastal stay without paying an entrance fee.

Why it ranks: Lake Roosevelt delivers most for boaters, kayak campers, anglers, and families road-tripping through eastern Washington.

Why it ranks: This park caters to specific interests.

Why it ranks: This park suits a wide demographic, from road-trippers and families with children to wildlife enthusiasts and stargazers.

Why it ranks: This destination caters to self-sufficient road trippers, serious hikers, paddlers, and birders.

Why it ranks: This location accommodates a wide range of visitors: families, paddlers, cyclists, surfers, birders, winter hikers, and those interested in history.

Why it ranks: This park offers exceptional backcountry options for paddlers, anglers, and hikers.

Why it ranks: Best for families within driving range of Chicago, serious birdwatchers, paddlers wanting a freshwater Lake Michigan experience, and anyone who wants a multi-season national park without flying across the country.

Why it ranks: Rock climbers will find a premier destination; the area provides exceptional opportunities.

Why it ranks: This destination caters to geology enthusiasts, families with older, curious children, cavers of all experience levels, dark-sky seekers, and history-minded travelers interested in Native American culture and 19th-century conflicts.

Why it ranks: This park rewards specific visitors.

Why it ranks: This park caters to specific interests: beach camping, surf angling, birding, and paddling.

Why it ranks: This unit excels for visitors pursuing multi-day outdoor excursions, particularly paddlers and backpackers.

Why it ranks: This park is an exceptional choice for hikers, wildlife observers, and families with children, particularly those seeking high-altitude alpine landscapes within a practical driving distance of Denver.

Why it ranks: This park best serves road-trippers crossing the Northern Plains.

Why it ranks: This Texas Panhandle destination is best suited for active visitors.

Why it ranks: Mesa Verde offers exceptional cultural and historical depth, well-suited for history-focused visitors and families.

Why it ranks: Best for families wanting a mix of outdoor and history, paddlers and birders drawn to coastal wetland habitat, and history enthusiasts interested in colonial-era Florida or plantation history.

Why it ranks: This park suits a wide range of visitors, from first-time national park tourists to serious backcountry hikers.

Why it ranks: This destination caters specifically to history-minded travelers and families.

Why it ranks: This unit caters to a specific, self-reliant visitor.

Why it ranks: This trail complex suits active travelers seeking cultural depth with outdoor recreation, particularly those already on the Big Island.

Why it ranks: This unit excels for self-guided river recreation.

Why it ranks: This park rewards hikers, campers, and paddlers most deeply.

Why it ranks: Andersonville National Site offers a somber destination.

Why it ranks: This destination offers an exceptional multi-day Appalachian mountain experience without a single, large entrance fee, appealing to road-trippers, cyclists, and hikers.

Why it ranks: This destination offers broad appeal.

Why it ranks: This unit offers exceptional access for anglers, waterfowl hunters, serious birders, and paddlers.

Why it ranks: This park excels as an urban green space, offering diverse outdoor activities close to a major city.

Why it ranks: This park stands as an essential destination for Civil War history enthusiasts, offering a definitive experience of the era.

Why it ranks: Verdict: This recreation area caters specifically to active, water-oriented visitors.

Why it ranks: This trail suits history enthusiasts tracking the Revolutionary War, especially those planning a Southeast road trip seeking a structured narrative.

Why it ranks: Palisade delivers a relaxed central Utah stopover for families, RV travelers, and anglers.

Why it ranks: This destination prioritizes off-highway vehicle enthusiasts.

Why it ranks: This destination caters to self-sufficient visitors.

Why it ranks: For those drawn to the intersection of history and recreation, this park delivers.

Why it ranks: This destination caters effectively to families and groups with varied interests, particularly those looking to pair reservoir activities with OHV riding.

Why it ranks: This trail offers significant appeal for history-focused road trippers, equestrians seeking multi-day treks, and families crafting cross-country itineraries around American frontier history.

Why it ranks: Best for hunters, OHV riders, equestrians, and dispersed campers who plan ahead and prefer solitude over signage.

Why it ranks: Knolls rewards OHV riders seeking wide-open desert terrain without crowds.

Why it ranks: This unit delivers most to a specific visitor.

Why it ranks: This park primarily serves those with specific historical interests.

Why it ranks: Anglers chasing rainbow, cutthroat, and brown trout will find this among Utah's better reservoir bets.