9 Must-See Scenic Byways in the U.S. for Photo Enthusiasts
The United States offers many options perfect for memorable road trips and travel photography. From coastal drives to mountain passes, these routes provide incredible views and allow you to explore at your own pace.
Here are nine must-see scenic byways in the U.S. that are sure to inspire your next adventure.
1. California State Route 1 (Pacific Coast Highway)
Highlights: Iconic coastal views, dramatic cliffs, serene beaches
Description: Stretching from Leggett to Los Angeles, California’s Pacific Coast Highway is renowned for its breathtaking oceanic vistas. Photographers will find endless opportunities to capture the rugged beauty of the Californian coast, with notable stops including Big Sur, Bixby Creek Bridge, and McWay Falls.
Additionally, the route offers stunning views of the rolling hills and picturesque coastal towns, such as Carmel-by-the-Sea and Santa Barbara. Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best lighting conditions, transforming the landscape into a golden-hued paradise that’s perfect for capturing unforgettable images.
2. Blue Ridge Parkway (North Carolina and Virginia)
Highlights: Mountain landscapes, vibrant fall foliage, sunrise and sunset locations
Description: The Blue Ridge Parkway meanders through the Appalachian Mountains, offering picturesque views of rolling hills and dense forests. Ideal for capturing the serenity of the mountains, this drive is especially stunning during the fall when the foliage turns brilliant shades of red and gold.
Photographers will find numerous overlooks and pull-off points along the Blue Ridge Parkway, providing prime spots for panoramic shots and intimate nature close-ups. Wildlife enthusiasts can also capture images of the diverse species that inhabit the area, including deer, foxes, and various bird species.
3. Road to Hana (Maui, Hawaii)
Highlights: Lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, tropical scenery
Description: Winding through the northeastern coast of Maui, the Road to Hana is a paradise for landscape photographers. The route features 620 curves and 59 bridges, leading you through verdant rainforests and past spectacular waterfalls like Wailua Falls and the Seven Sacred Pools at Ohe’o Gulch.
Photographers will be enchanted by the vibrant array of flora along the Hana Highway, with opportunities to capture lush green ferns, vibrant hibiscus flowers, and other exotic plants native to the Hawaiian landscape. The route also offers breathtaking coastal views, where the contrasting colors of the turquoise ocean, black lava rock shores, and white sandy beaches create dramatic visuals.
For the best photographic results, plan to explore the highway early in the morning to avoid the midday glare and to catch the golden hour lighting that enhances the natural beauty of this tropical paradise.
4. Monument Valley Trails (Arizona and Utah)
Highlights: Striking buttes and mesas, iconic Western scenery
Description: Monument Valley is synonymous with the classic imagery of the American West. The towering buttes and mesas create a rugged landscape that has been immortalized in countless films and photographs. Sunrise and sunset are the best times to capture the valley’s ethereal beauty.
Photographers will find ample opportunities to compose breathtaking shots of iconic formations, such as the Mittens and Merrick Butte. For a truly immersive experience, consider taking a guided tour offered by the Navajo Nation, which can provide access to restricted areas and unique perspectives that are not available from the main road.
Additionally, the area offers a mystical quality at night, making it an excellent location for astrophotography. Capture the night sky filled with stars and the Milky Way, with the silhouette of the monuments adding a dramatic touch to your nighttime images.
5. Route 66
Highlights: Nostalgic Americana, quirky roadside attractions, diverse landscapes
Description: Historic Route 66 offers a journey through time from Chicago to Santa Monica. Known as the “Mother Road,” it features nostalgic scenes of Americana, including vintage motels, diners, and unique roadside attractions. The diverse landscapes, from the plains of the Midwest to the deserts of the Southwest, provide endless photo opportunities.
Photographers who travel Route 66 will find a rich tapestry of subjects to capture, from the iconic neon signs and historic buildings to the quirky, larger-than-life roadside sculptures that define its character. The road’s varied terrain, from the expansive wheat fields of Illinois to the arid deserts of Arizona, presents contrasting backdrops that cater to a wide range of photographic styles and interests.
As you travel along this historic route, be sure to stop in the small towns and local eateries to capture the human element and timeless charm that make Route 66 legendary in American culture.
6. San Juan Skyway (Colorado)
Highlights: Towering peaks, alpine lakes, charming mountain towns
Description: This 236-mile loop through the San Juan Mountains in Colorado is a hidden gem. The San Juan Skyway offers breathtaking views of towering peaks, pristine alpine lakes, and picturesque mountain towns like Telluride and Ouray. The route is especially captivating during the fall when the aspen trees turn gold.
Exploring the San Juan Skyway is a feast for photographers seeking to capture both grand landscapes and quaint details. Along the route, you will find numerous opportunities to photograph historic mining towns, cascading waterfalls, and expansive meadows filled with wildflowers in the summer.
Winter transforms the region into a snowy wonderland, providing dramatic scenes of ice and snow against the backdrop of majestic mountains. The varied topography and seasonal changes make the San Juan Skyway a year-round destination for capturing Colorado’s high country’s natural beauty and historical character.
7. Overseas Highway (U.S. 1, Florida Keys)
Highlights: Ocean views, tropical islands, vibrant sunsets
Description: The Overseas Highway connects Key Largo to Key West, spanning over 113 miles of azure waters and tropical islands. Photographers will relish capturing the stunning ocean views, palm-lined shores, and colorful sunsets. Key West’s historic sites and lively atmosphere add to the photographic allure.
In addition to its picturesque vistas, the highway offers countless opportunities to explore marine life, with numerous spots ideal for underwater photography and snorkeling. The bright, crystal-clear waters are home to an array of vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine species, providing a rich canvas for capturing the underwater world.
The Seven Mile Bridge, one of the longest in the world, offers photographers a particularly majestic vantage point. It showcases the highway’s architectural marvel amidst the vast seascape.
8. Utah State Route 12
Highlights: Red rock formations, desert vistas, national parks
Description: Connecting Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef National Parks, Utah State Route 12 is a photographer’s dream. The route showcases the dramatic red rock landscapes and expansive desert vistas of the American Southwest, with unique spots such as the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and Calf Creek Falls.
Photographers traveling along Utah State Route 12 will be captivated by the ever-changing landscapes that offer a variety of photo opportunities, from towering sandstone cliffs to serene river valleys.
The route also features several scenic viewpoints, such as the Head of the Rocks Overlook, where you can capture sweeping panoramic images of the rugged terrain. The area’s unique rock formations, shaped by millions of years of erosion, provide dramatic subject matter that is particularly striking during sunrise and sunset when the light accentuates the vibrant colors of the rocks. Make sure to take your time and explore the numerous trails and hidden gems along the way, as they can lead to some of the most compelling and off-the-beaten-path photo spots.
9. Needles Highway (South Dakota)
Highlights: Narrow tunnels, sharp turns, granite spires
Description: Located in Custer State Park, Needles Highway is famous for its dramatic granite spires and narrow tunnels. This scenic drive offers breathtaking views of rugged rock formations and serene pine forests. The unique landscape provides ample opportunities for striking and memorable photographs.
Photographers love the striking contrast between the sharp granite spires and the lush greenery that surrounds them, providing a diverse range of compositions. Early morning and late afternoon light will enhance the landscape’s natural beauty, casting intriguing shadows and highlighting the intricate textures of the rocks.
Along the highway, you’ll find several pull-offs and viewpoints ideal for capturing panoramic shots of the stunning Black Hills scenery. Additionally, keep an eye out for wildlife, as the area is home to bison, deer, and numerous bird species that can add a dynamic element to your photos.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re an amateur shutterbug or a seasoned professional, these scenic byways offer some of the most photogenic landscapes in the United States. So grab your camera, hit the road, and capture the natural beauty and splendor that awaits. Happy shooting!
