9 Historic Highways in the U.S. That You Need to Drive at Least Once—Beyond Route 66

Route 66 may be America's most famous highway, but it's far from the only road with a story to tell. Other highways and byways followed pioneer trails, became the nation's first transcontinental auto routes, or pushed the limits of engineering with groundbreaking bridges, mountain passes, and scenic stops.

Today, these historic highways offer much more than a drive from one destination to the next. They wind through charming small towns , pass iconic landmarks, and reveal the people, events, and innovations that helped define American road travel.

These are the best historic highways in the United States, beyond the iconic Route 66.

01 of 09

Historic Columbia River Highway

Dedicated in 1916 as the United States' first scenic highway, the Historic Columbia River Highway stretches roughly 70 miles from Troutdale to The Dalles through the Columbia River Gorge. Although portions of the original route were replaced by Interstate 84, decades of restoration have reconnected much of the highway, allowing travelers to experience both drivable sections and the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail, which is popular for cycling and hiking.

"The Historic Columbia River Highway was envisioned as a masterpiece of landscape architecture, inviting early motorists to intimately experience the Gorge's wild beauty rather than just driving past it," says Allison Keeney, consumer communications manager at Travel Oregon . To experience the highway at its best, visit in spring, when snowmelt sends waterfalls like Multnomah Falls rushing and wildflowers blanket the Gorge.

02 of 09

Natchez Trace Parkway

Stretching 444 miles through Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee, the Natchez Trace Parkway follows the historic corridor of the "Old Natchez Trace," a route once used by Indigenous people, settlers, and soldiers. Today, the scenic byway offers a slower way to explore the South, with opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping, and discovering historic landmarks along the way.

"The parkway is beautiful any time of year, especially if planning a road trip this fall to experience the bursting orange, fiery yellow, and vibrant red colors of the changing autumn leaves," says Jill Kilgore, senior communications manager at the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development . Along the route, travelers can visit destinations like Tupelo, Mississippi, the birthplace of Elvis Presley; stop at Colbert Ferry in Alabama for scenic views of the Tennessee River, picnic areas, and nearby trails; or wander the artisan village of Leiper's Fork, Tennessee.

03 of 09

Great River Road National Scenic Byway

Following the Mississippi River for more than 3,000 miles through 10 states, the Great River Road is one of the most iconic scenic drives in the United States. Travelers can spend a few weeks following the entire route or easily choose a section to experience the historic river towns, scenic overlooks, wildlife refuges, and communities built along the mighty Mississippi.

"For me, this section of the byway is about more than reaching a destination. It's about slowing down, discovering unexpected stories, and experiencing a place where the Mississippi River has shaped both the landscape and the people for generations," says Jordan Rushing, director and curator of the Old Court House Museum in Vicksburg, Mississippi.

One of the best places to do exactly that is Vicksburg, where travelers can tour the Vicksburg National Military Park, stroll the historic downtown, visit the Old Court House Museum, and enjoy views of the Mississippi River from the city's bluffs.

04 of 09

Overseas Highway

Extending 113 miles from the county line of Key Largo all the way to Key West, the Overseas Highway is one of the most awe-inspiring historic roads in the United States. I drove the entire route myself and quickly learned that this is a highway where the adventure is just as unforgettable as the destination. Built along the former route of the Overseas Railroad, which connected the Florida Keys to the mainland in the early 1900s, the highway transformed travel to the islands after the railroad was damaged by a hurricane and eventually abandoned.

Opened in 1938, the Overseas Highway became an iconic American road trip route, carrying travelers across a series of bridges and islands surrounded by turquoise waters and tropical scenery. Along the way, visitors can explore colorful island communities, snorkel and dive in the clear waters of the Keys, visit historic landmarks, and enjoy fresh seafood with ocean views.

From crossing the famous Seven Mile Bridge to reaching the lively streets of Key West , the Overseas Highway offers a one-of-a-kind road trip experience where every mile reveals another view of the Florida Keys.

05 of 09

The National Road

Known as America's first federally funded highway, the National Road connected the growing United States by creating a reliable route between the East and the expanding western frontier. Construction began in 1811, and the road eventually stretched from Cumberland, Maryland, to Vandalia, Illinois, moving people, goods, and ideas across the country.

"The National Road helped bind the nation together by connecting the East and the West," says Brian Reedy, supervisory park ranger at Fort Necessity National Battlefield . "As new states were added to the Union, including Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, the need for a reliable road for commerce was essential. The road's construction created a push for internal improvements in the early republic and opened the era of canal and road construction throughout the nation. The National Road also proved remarkably adaptable as vehicles changed from Conestoga wagons to bicycles to automobiles."

Along the way, visitors can spot reminders of its past, including historic bridges, taverns, tollhouses, and other landmarks from the era when the National Road molded the way Americans traveled.

06 of 09

Lincoln Highway

Stretching more than 3,000 miles from New York City to San Francisco, the Lincoln Highway was the first road connected and redesigned specifically for automobile travel across the United States. Established in 1913, it connected small towns, cities, and rural communities across 13 states, changing the way Americans traveled long before the Interstate Highway System existed.

Today, travelers can still follow sections of the historic route, discovering preserved roadside landmarks, charming downtowns, and scenic landscapes. Highlights include the Lincoln Highway Experience in Pennsylvania, the historic bridges and small towns of Iowa, and the impressive mountain landscapes of California's Sierra Nevada.

07 of 09

Old Spanish Trail Transcontinental Highway

Stretching from St. Augustine, Florida, to San Diego, California, the Old Spanish Trail was one of the earliest transcontinental highways in the United States. Along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the historic route connected waterfront communities that were once separated by rivers, bays, and marshes, creating a new way for travelers to experience the region's seafood, architecture, and maritime traditions.

"The journey is not just about getting somewhere. It is about slowing down to discover the history, local flavors, and hidden stories that make each coastal community unique," says Chelsea Prince, outreach coordinator for the Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area . Much of the route follows U.S. Highway 90, where travelers can stop at the Biloxi Lighthouse, the Charnley-Norwood House in Ocean Springs, and the historic communities of Pass Christian and Bay St. Louis.

08 of 09

Pacific Coast Highway

Stretching 656 miles along California's coastline from Dana Point to Leggett, the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) is one of the most iconic road trips in the United States . Built in segments between the 1910s and 1930s, the highway opened up remote seaside communities and reshaped the way travelers experienced California's dramatic shoreline. Over time, this legendary drive became a symbol of the freedom, adventure, and classic road-trip experience associated with the West Coast.

While every stretch of Highway 1 offers something special, Santa Barbara stands out as one of the most memorable stops. Situated between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, the coastal city combines some of California's best beaches with stunning architecture, historic landmarks, and a renowned wine region.

"In my opinion, Santa Barbara is one of the most rewarding stops on Highway 1 because it packs some of the state's best beaches, beautiful Spanish Colonial architecture, California history with the Old Mission, and a full wine region all into a few square miles," says Jay Kriske, general manager of Mar Monte Hotel .

09 of 09

The San Juan Skyway

Winding 236 miles through Colorado's San Juan Mountains, the San Juan Skyway is one of the country's most scenic historic highways. The loop connects old mining towns such as Durango, Silverton, Ouray, and Telluride , following routes carved out during the mining boom of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Along the way, travelers pass dramatic mountain passes, historic railroads, old mining sites, and some of the most amazing scenery in the Rocky Mountains.

Highlights on this route include the Million Dollar Highway between Silverton and Ouray, the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, and plenty of charming downtowns and main streets.

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