Top 15 'Freeway-Friendly' Scenic Routes to drive for beginners wanting epic views without the winding backroads. - Goh Ling Yong
We've all seen them: the car commercials featuring a lone vehicle gracefully navigating a winding mountain pass, the Instagram posts of a campervan parked against a dramatic coastal sunset. The open road calls to us, promising freedom, adventure, and breathtaking views. But for a new driver, the reality behind those epic shots—hairpin turns, narrow lanes with no guardrails, and steep drop-offs—can be more terrifying than thrilling.
The fear is real. You want the reward without the risk. You crave the majestic scenery but prefer the comfort and safety of a well-maintained, multi-lane highway. You're not alone. Here at the Goh Ling Yong blog, we believe that the joy of driving should be accessible to everyone, and that starts with building confidence on routes that are as beautiful as they are manageable.
That’s why we’ve curated this list of "freeway-friendly" scenic routes. These are North America's most stunning drives that stick to major interstates, U.S. highways, and wide, well-paved state roads. You'll get all the jaw-dropping panoramas of mountains, oceans, and canyons without the white-knuckle stress of a treacherous backroad. So, fill up the tank, queue your favorite playlist, and get ready to experience the epic road trip you've always dreamed of.
1. Interstate 70 through Glenwood Canyon, Colorado
Forget everything you know about boring interstate travel. The 12-mile stretch of I-70 through Glenwood Canyon is a masterpiece of engineering and a stunning scenic drive. Instead of blasting through the mountains, the highway is suspended above the rushing Colorado River, weaving between thousand-foot canyon walls. It’s like driving through the heart of a national park with the safety of a four-lane divided highway.
For beginners, this route is ideal. The speed limit is a reasonable 50 mph (80 km/h), the road is smooth, and the curves are long and gentle. You can focus on the incredible rock formations and the turquoise river below without worrying about oncoming traffic on a narrow ledge. It’s the perfect way to experience the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains.
- Pro Tip: Pull off at the Glenwood Canyon Rest Area. It’s beautifully maintained and offers short, easy walking trails that take you right along the river, giving you a chance to stretch your legs and appreciate the canyon from a different perspective.
2. The Overseas Highway (U.S. Route 1), Florida Keys
Imagine driving on a road that feels like it’s floating on water. That’s the Overseas Highway, a 113-mile marvel that connects the Florida Keys with a series of 42 bridges, including the famous Seven Mile Bridge. On either side of you, there's nothing but endless turquoise water stretching to the horizon. It’s a truly unique and unforgettable driving experience.
This route is incredibly straightforward. It's mostly a two-lane road (with some four-lane sections), but the speed limits are low, and the driving is relaxed—everyone is on "island time." There are no hills or sharp curves to navigate, just a straight shot through paradise. The biggest challenge is reminding yourself to keep your eyes on the road and not the stunning ocean views!
- Pro Tip: Drive it on a weekday to avoid the heaviest weekend traffic. Plan for plenty of stops at roadside cafes for key lime pie or to dip your toes in the water at places like Bahia Honda State Park.
3. Interstate 84 through the Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
Carved by ancient floods, the Columbia River Gorge is a spectacular canyon that forms the border between Oregon and Washington. And running right through the middle of it is Interstate 84. This major highway offers front-row seats to dozens of waterfalls cascading down mossy cliffs, dramatic basalt formations, and sweeping views of the mighty Columbia River.
As a major east-west freeway, I-84 is wide, well-maintained, and easy to navigate. You can see many of the gorge’s highlights, like Multnomah Falls and Vista House at Crown Point, directly from the highway or via very short, easy-to-access exit ramps. It delivers world-class scenery with absolute ease.
- Pro Tip: For a slightly slower but equally easy drive, take the Historic Columbia River Highway for short sections that run parallel to I-84. The part near Multnomah Falls is especially beautiful and still very manageable for new drivers.
4. U.S. Route 89 through Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
Want to see some of the most dramatic mountain peaks in North America without leaving your car? Drive U.S. Route 89, which runs north-south directly through Grand Teton National Park. The road runs along the valley floor, offering an unobstructed, panoramic view of the entire Teton Range rising sharply from the plains.
The road itself is a wide, two-lane highway with generous shoulders and a relatively low speed limit, encouraging you to soak in the view. There are numerous designated pull-offs, so you can safely stop to take photos of the jagged peaks, look for wildlife like bison and elk, and marvel at the sheer scale of the landscape. It’s pure scenic immersion without any technical driving required.
- Pro Tip: The best views are often in your rearview mirror when driving north. Make sure to use the pull-outs to safely turn around and enjoy the scenery in both directions. The Oxbow Bend Turnout is a must-stop for its iconic reflection of Mount Moran in the Snake River.
5. Pacific Coast Highway (CA-1), Santa Monica to Malibu, California
While some northern sections of the Pacific Coast Highway can be narrow and winding, the stretch from Santa Monica to Malibu is the perfect introduction for a beginner. This iconic drive keeps the sparkling Pacific Ocean right outside your window for nearly 20 straight miles. You’ll cruise past sandy beaches, famous piers, and stunning cliffside homes.
This section is a wide, multi-lane highway that is mostly straight and flat. Traffic moves at a relaxed pace, and there are plenty of places to pull over at a state beach or a scenic viewpoint. You get the quintessential California coastal driving experience—sun, sand, and surf—without any of the intimidating cliff-hugging curves found further north.
- Pro Tip: Drive this route northbound (from Santa Monica towards Malibu) in the late afternoon. The sun will be behind you, perfectly illuminating the coastline and creating a magical golden-hour glow on the water.
6. The Icefields Parkway (Highway 93), Alberta, Canada
Often called one of the most beautiful drives in the world, the Icefields Parkway connects Banff and Jasper National Parks. This road is flanked by more than 100 ancient glaciers, cascading waterfalls, and emerald-green lakes. The sheer scale of the Canadian Rockies is on full display for the entire 144-mile journey.
Despite its remote, wild setting, the parkway is an incredibly well-engineered and maintained two-lane highway. It features wide lanes, ample shoulders, and gentle, sweeping curves. The speed limit is a scenic-friendly 90 km/h (56 mph), and there are countless viewpoints and trailheads to stop at. It’s an epic, world-class drive that is surprisingly stress-free.
- Pro Tip: Fill up your gas tank in Lake Louise or Jasper before you start, as there is only one gas station along the entire route and it's very expensive. Also, check road conditions before you go, as it can close due to snow even in late spring or early fall.
7. Interstate 90 near Badlands National Park, South Dakota
Driving across the plains of South Dakota on I-90 might seem mundane, but that all changes as you approach Wall. Suddenly, the flat grasslands give way to a surreal landscape of striped spires and deep canyons. The interstate runs right along the northern edge of Badlands National Park, offering incredible views of this otherworldly terrain.
You get to see the stunning topography without even leaving the freeway. For a more immersive but still very easy drive, take the Badlands Loop Scenic Byway (Highway 240). It’s a beautifully paved, wide two-lane road with low speed limits and dozens of pull-offs to admire the view. It’s the perfect, low-stress way to experience a unique national park.
- Pro Tip: Time your drive for sunrise or sunset. The low-angle light makes the colors of the rock layers pop, transforming the landscape into something truly magical.
8. Interstate 17 from Phoenix to Flagstaff, Arizona
This drive is a remarkable journey through changing ecosystems. Starting in the Sonoran Desert cacti around Phoenix, I-17 steadily climbs over 6,000 feet in elevation. You’ll watch the landscape transform from desert scrub to high-country grasslands and finally to the dense ponderosa pine forests surrounding Flagstaff.
As a major interstate, I-17 is a multi-lane, divided highway. While it involves a long, sustained climb, the grade is steady and manageable. The sweeping curves provide fantastic views of the valleys below. It’s a great way for a new driver to get comfortable with elevation changes on a safe and predictable road.
- Pro Tip: A great stop about halfway up is Sunset Point Rest Area. It offers stunning panoramic views of the Agua Fria National Monument and the Bradshaw Mountains.
9. Kancamagus Highway (NH-112), New Hampshire
Known locally as "The Kanc," this 34.5-mile scenic byway cuts through the heart of the White Mountain National Forest. It's famous for its world-class fall foliage, but it's a beautiful drive any time of year, with river views, covered bridges, and mountain vistas.
While it's not a freeway, the Kanc is a wide, modern, and exceptionally well-paved two-lane road. It has no stoplights, gas stations, or restaurants, allowing for an uninterrupted cruise through nature. The curves are gentle, and the speed limit is low, making it a very relaxing and accessible mountain drive, perfect for building confidence.
- Pro Tip: The Sabbaday Falls and Lower Falls scenic areas are right off the highway and require only a very short, easy walk to see beautiful waterfalls and granite gorges.
10. Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia Sections)
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile scenic masterpiece, but some sections can be twisty. For beginners, the northern sections in Virginia are generally wider, straighter, and have gentler grades than the more dramatic portions in North Carolina. The drive from the parkway’s northern terminus to Roanoke offers rolling hills, idyllic farm scenes, and stunning valley overlooks.
The parkway is managed by the National Park Service, meaning it’s well-maintained and has a strictly enforced low speed limit (usually 45 mph). There's no commercial traffic, making for a calm and enjoyable drive. It’s the perfect road for a leisurely cruise where the journey itself is the destination.
- Pro Tip: The Humpback Rocks Visitor Center near the northern entrance has a short, easy trail to a historic farmstead and offers fantastic views of the Shenandoah Valley.
11. North Shore Scenic Drive (MN-61), Minnesota
Following the majestic shoreline of Lake Superior, the world's largest freshwater lake, this route is often called Minnesota's "North Coast." Highway 61 is a smooth, wide two-lane road that offers continuous views of the vast, ocean-like lake on one side and dense forests and rocky cliffs on the other.
This All-American Road is an incredibly pleasant and easy drive. You’ll pass through charming small towns, see historic lighthouses, and have the opportunity to stop at numerous state parks like Gooseberry Falls and Split Rock Lighthouse. The road is straightforward, allowing you to relax and enjoy the rugged beauty of the Great Lakes region.
- Pro Tip: Stop at Betty's Pies in Two Harbors. It’s a legendary institution on the North Shore and the perfect reward for a day of scenic driving.
12. Interstate 40 through New Mexico and Arizona
Get your kicks on a modern version of Route 66! Large portions of I-40 replaced the original Mother Road, and driving it today still evokes a sense of classic American road-tripping. The stretches through western New Mexico and eastern Arizona are particularly scenic, with dramatic red rock mesas, volcanic formations, and endless high-desert vistas.
This is interstate driving at its most cinematic. The road is wide and straight, and the traffic is often light, allowing you to settle in and appreciate the vast, open landscape. You can easily pull off to see parts of Petrified Forest National Park or the iconic painted desert without straying far from the comfort of the freeway. As Goh Ling Yong often says, a car isn't just about transportation; it's a ticket to freedom and adventure.
- Pro Tip: Near Gallup, New Mexico, the red sandstone cliffs that run parallel to I-40 are especially beautiful in the late afternoon sun.
13. U.S. Route 2 across the Hi-Line, Montana
For a truly meditative driving experience that captures the scale of the American West, drive U.S. Route 2 across the top of Montana. Known as the "Hi-Line," this road parallels the railroad tracks and runs through vast plains, rolling hills, and endless "Big Sky" country.
While it may not have dramatic mountains or oceans, its beauty lies in its immensity and solitude. The road is a well-maintained two-lane highway that is often arrow-straight for miles on end. It's an incredibly low-stress drive where you can feel a sense of peace and wonder at the sheer openness of the landscape.
- Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for the classic grain elevators that mark the small towns along the route. They are iconic symbols of this agricultural heartland and make for great photo opportunities.
14. The Great River Road (Wisconsin & Minnesota Sections)
Following the course of the Mississippi River, the Great River Road is a collection of state and local roads. The sections along Wisconsin's Highway 35 and Minnesota's Highway 61 are particularly well-suited for beginners. These roads are well-paved and wind gently through charming river towns, scenic bluffs, and wildlife refuges.
The driving is relaxed, with plenty of opportunities to pull over and watch barges navigate the river or look for bald eagles soaring overhead. You get all the charm of a scenic byway with the quality and predictability of a major state highway.
- Pro Tip: The viewpoint at Grandad Bluff in La Crosse, Wisconsin, is just a short drive off the main road and offers a spectacular panoramic view of the Mississippi River Valley.
15. Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway (SD-87), Custer State Park, South Dakota
While the byway’s famous Needles Highway is not for beginners, the sections that run through the main valleys of Custer State Park are perfect. The Wildlife Loop Road and the main stretch of SD-87 are wide, gently rolling roads that take you through the park’s beautiful grasslands and pine-covered hills.
This is one of the best places in the country to see wildlife from your car. You're almost guaranteed to encounter the park's famous herds of bison, often right on the road! The drive is slow-paced and low-stress, designed for sightseeing. It gives you a taste of the Black Hills' beauty on a very forgiving road.
- Pro Tip: Drive the Wildlife Loop in the early morning or late evening when the animals are most active. And remember, give the bison plenty of space—they always have the right of way!
Your Adventure Awaits
The open road doesn't have to be intimidating. Epic views and unforgettable memories are waiting for you on highways and byways that are as safe and comfortable as they are beautiful. These 15 routes prove that you don't need to be a daredevil driver to experience the best scenery North America has to offer.
So, pick a route that sparks your interest, get behind the wheel, and start building your driving confidence one beautiful mile at a time. The freedom of the road trip is for everyone.
What's your favorite easy scenic drive? Do you have a freeway-friendly route to recommend? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below!
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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