11 Most Incredible Landmarks You Can See From Your Car

Road trips are one of the most romantic ways to travel as a couple. There’s something magical about hitting the open road together, creating your own adventure, and discovering incredible sights along the way. But here’s the best part: some of the world’s most breathtaking landmarks don’t require hiking boots or hours of walking to experience.

Let me guess: you want epic views and unforgettable moments without the physical demands of strenuous activities? We’ve spent countless miles seeking out landmarks that deliver maximum wow factor with minimal effort. Lucky for you, we’ve found the absolute best ones you can experience right from your car.

Some couples love the flexibility of stopping whenever a view strikes their fancy. Others appreciate accessible travel options that don’t exclude anyone from the experience. And some just want to pack more sights into their trip without exhausting themselves. These incredible landmarks offer all of that. From dramatic coastlines to towering mountains and stunning architectural marvels, you’ll create memories without ever leaving your vehicle.

Ready for the ultimate scenic drive? Here are 11 most incredible landmarks you can see from your car.

Monument Valley, Arizona and Utah

We see Monument Valley leave a strong impression before couples even step out of the car. The road cuts through wide desert, and towering red rock buttes rise straight from the horizon. Many of the most famous views appear directly from the highway or nearby pull-offs. Couples can slow down, take photos, and stay seated while still taking in the scale of the landscape. The spacing between formations gives each view room to breathe. Light changes quickly here, which makes short stops feel meaningful at different times of day. You do not need a long hike to understand why this place shaped so many films and photographs.

Drive through near sunrise or late afternoon for softer light.

Badlands National Park, South Dakota

We find the Badlands striking because the scenery shifts almost without warning. One moment the land feels flat, then sharp ridges and layered rock formations appear beside the road. Scenic loops and pull-offs allow couples to take in views without leaving the car. The colors change throughout the day, moving from pale tones to deeper shades as shadows stretch across the formations. Wildlife often appears close to the road, adding to the experience without extra effort. The park layout makes it easy to pause often without feeling rushed.

Use the main loop road and stop at multiple overlooks.

Cadillac Ranch, Texas

We see Cadillac Ranch work well for couples who enjoy roadside stops with personality. A row of classic cars stands half-buried in the ground, visible straight from the highway. There is no entrance gate or long walk required. Couples can pull over, step out briefly, and take photos within minutes. The site changes constantly as visitors add paint, which keeps repeat visits interesting. The flat landscape around it makes the artwork stand out even more. It is quick, visual, and easy to fit into a longer drive.

Bring spray paint if you want to leave a mark.

Horseshoe Bend Overlook, Arizona

We find Horseshoe Bend memorable because the view appears suddenly after a short approach. While there is a brief walk, the overlook itself reveals a dramatic curve of the Colorado River far below. Many couples first spot the shape from the road area and parking lot surroundings. The scale becomes clear even before reaching the edge. The viewpoint is wide, so you can pause without rushing. Light reflects off the water differently throughout the day, changing the look of the canyon walls.

Visit early or near sunset to avoid heavy crowds.

Devils Tower, Wyoming

We see Devils Tower long before arriving at the park entrance. The massive rock formation rises alone from the plains, visible from miles away along the road. That gradual approach builds anticipation without effort. Even from the car, the shape feels bold and unmistakable. Pull-offs and access roads allow couples to stop often and view it from different angles. The surrounding landscape stays open, keeping sightlines clear. Devils Tower feels powerful without requiring physical activity to appreciate it.

Watch how the tower changes shape as you circle the access road.

Painted Hills, Oregon

We see the Painted Hills reward couples who want a scenic stop that does not require a hike to feel complete. The park road and pull-offs set you up for quick, clear views of color-banded hills. Red, gold, and dark layers stand out differently as clouds move and the sun shifts. That change makes the drive feel active even when you stay in the car between viewpoints. Stops are short, but they add up to a full experience because each overlook frames the hills from a new angle. The area also stays quieter than many headline parks, which helps couples keep the mood calm. Plan for a slow drive and a few photo pauses.

Drive the full loop and stop at every marked viewpoint.

Meteor Crater, Arizona

We find Meteor Crater feel bigger than most visitors expect, and the best part is you can grasp the scale quickly. The desert around it is flat, so the crater reads as a sudden, massive drop in the landscape. Couples can park, step to the viewing areas, and understand the size without walking far or committing to a long rim route. It works well as a road-trip break because it is focused and easy to time. The experience also pairs well with other Northern Arizona drives, so it can fit into a longer day without taking over the schedule. Go earlier if you want a calmer look and easier parking.

Stop for a full rim view, then keep the drive moving.

Grand Staircase–Escalante, Utah

We see Grand Staircase–Escalante feel built for couples who like the road itself to be the main event. Long stretches of highway reveal cliffs, plateaus, and open sky without needing a scenic detour. The land shifts slowly, which makes the drive feel steady and absorbing rather than rushed. Viewpoints and pull-offs appear along the way, but many of the best moments happen while you are rolling forward and watching layers change in the distance. This area also feels less crowded than nearby headline parks, so couples can keep their pace relaxed. Plan fuel and snacks ahead, since services can be spread out.

Keep the day light and let the scenery do the work.

Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive, Utah

We find Bryce Canyon easy to experience from the car because the overlooks do so much of the heavy lifting. The scenic drive is structured around viewpoint stops, so couples can pull in, take in hoodoos and amphitheater views, then move on without long walks. Each stop shows a slightly different angle, and that variety keeps the experience from feeling repetitive. The elevation also helps with clarity, so views feel crisp even from parking areas. Timing matters here because midday crowds build fast. If you arrive early, you can stop more freely and keep the mood calm.

Choose several overlooks and skip any stop that feels crowded.

Mammoth Hot Springs, Wyoming

We see Mammoth Hot Springs work well for couples because the terraces are visible right from the park road. You do not need to hike to understand what makes the area special. Layered formations run down the hillside, and steam can shift the scene from minute to minute. Couples can drive slowly, pull into viewpoints, and decide how much walking they want after seeing the main shapes. It is a good stop for travelers who want a landmark experience without a big time commitment. The area can feel busy, so arriving earlier helps. The nearby road layout makes it easy to combine with other Yellowstone drives.

Drive through once, then stop where the terraces look most active.

The Florida Keys Overseas Highway, Florida

We find the Overseas Highway feel like a landmark because the view stays with you for miles. Couples get open water on both sides of the road, with bridges that lift the drive above the ocean and stretch the horizon in every direction. It is perfect for road-trip pacing because you can take it in while moving, talking, and watching the color of the water shift. Short pull-offs and parks add quick breaks if you want photos or a reset, but the drive itself is the highlight. Plan to travel in daylight for the best views, and build in extra time for slower traffic.

Pick a daylight drive window and keep stops short and simple.

11 Lake Towns You and Your Partner Will Love

Lake towns have a way of slowing everything down, which is exactly why couples keep coming back to them. The water sets the pace. Mornings feel quieter. Even busy weekends feel calmer by the shore. We’ve seen how the right lake town can turn a short getaway into something that feels meaningful without trying too hard.
Learn more here: 11 Lake Towns You and Your Partner Will Love