10 Historic Highways Across the U.S. That Outshine the Interstate

Skip the speed of interstates and take the scenic route instead. America’s historic highways are more than just roads, they’re journeys through time, culture, and awe-inspiring landscapes. Whether you’re chasing desert sunsets, coastal cliffs, or Civil War tales, these highways offer unforgettable experiences. Each one has its own story, often winding through small towns, national parks, and iconic landmarks. Here are ten historic U.S. highways that promise richer adventures than the interstate ever could.

Route 66

Often called the “Mother Road,” Route 66 stretches from Chicago to Santa Monica and covers eight states. It’s a symbol of American freedom, full of retro diners, quirky roadside attractions, and mid-century motels. You’ll roll past ghost towns, neon signs, and slices of Americana that still echo the highway’s heyday. Though decommissioned, much of Route 66 is still drivable and lovingly preserved. It’s the ultimate nostalgic drive that offers more charm than any freeway ever could.

Pacific Coast Highway

California’s Pacific Coast Highway, especially the stretch of Highway 1, delivers jaw-dropping views of cliffs, surf, and sunsets. Winding from San Diego through Big Sur up to San Francisco and beyond, it offers a coastal experience like no other. The route passes through charming beach towns, dramatic sea stacks, and redwood forests. It’s ideal for those craving a slow, scenic journey where each curve reveals another postcard-worthy vista. This historic road is pure West Coast magic.

Great River Road

Following the path of the Mississippi River for over 3,000 miles, the Great River Road flows through ten states from Minnesota to Louisiana. Expect scenic bluffs, river towns, and steamboat-era history. Highlights include Memphis blues joints, Mark Twain’s Hannibal, and the moss-draped plantations of the Deep South. The drive gives you a true feel for the river that helped shape America, making it a culturally rich and surprisingly peaceful alternative to modern highways.

Blue Ridge Parkway

Winding through Virginia and North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers one of the most scenic drives in America. Designed to connect Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it’s a journey of rolling mountains, tunnels, and overlooks. There are no billboards or traffic lights, just uninterrupted nature. Especially stunning in fall, the route is ideal for leaf-peepers and anyone craving a slow, soul-soothing road trip far removed from the rush of interstates.

Lincoln Highway

As the first road to span America coast-to-coast, the Lincoln Highway predates the interstate system by decades. Running from Times Square in New York to Lincoln Park in San Francisco, it’s a time capsule of 20th-century progress. Along the way, you’ll find historic gas stations, vintage motels, and statues honoring Abraham Lincoln. Though no longer officially marked, parts of the old highway can still be followed, offering a truly retro and patriotic journey.

Natchez Trace Parkway

This 444-mile parkway from Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee, follows an ancient Native American trail once used by traders and soldiers. Today, it’s a federally maintained road with no commercial traffic, making it incredibly serene. Cyclists, history buffs, and nature lovers adore this route for its Civil War landmarks, preserved sites, and scenic overlooks. With limited distractions and maximum charm, the Natchez Trace is a drive made for those seeking peace and heritage.

Alaska’s Richardson Highway

The Richardson Highway, Alaska’s oldest road, links Valdez to Fairbanks through glacier-filled valleys and tundra landscapes. Originally a gold rush trail, it now offers one of the wildest road trips in the country. You’ll pass the awe-inspiring Worthington Glacier, cross mountain passes, and maybe spot moose or bears. It’s the anti-interstate: raw, rugged, and untamed. For those seeking adventure and open wilderness, this historic route is a bucket-list drive through the Last Frontier.

Trail of the Ancients

Spanning parts of Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico, the Trail of the Ancients explores lands sacred to Native American cultures. Highlights include Mesa Verde, Canyon de Chelly, and Hovenweep National Monument. The route reveals ancient cliff dwellings, petroglyphs, and cultural stories that go back millennia. It’s a deeply spiritual journey through the Four Corners region, best for travelers who appreciate archaeology, desert beauty, and a road with roots older than America itself.

Highway 101 Oregon Coast

Oregon’s stretch of Highway 101 hugs the coast with breathtaking consistency. You’ll pass sea stacks, lighthouses, fishing villages, and dunes that feel plucked from a dream. From Astoria to Brookings, the road is filled with scenic pullouts and friendly coastal stops. Whale-watching, tidepool exploring, and sunset-gazing are all on the itinerary. Unlike the busy I‑5 inland, this route is tailor-made for romantic weekenders and road trippers seeking Pacific Northwest magic at every turn.

US Route 50 The Loneliest Road

US Route 50 slices through Nevada’s wide-open desert and has earned its nickname: The Loneliest Road in America. But that solitude is its charm. You’ll pass mining towns, salt flats, and alien landscapes under a sky full of stars. With minimal traffic and zero stress, it’s perfect for reflection and escape. This historic transcontinental route reminds travelers that the road less taken is often the most rewarding, especially when the interstate feels like sensory overload.