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    National Scenic Byways

    America's best road trips.

    Top picks for seniors

    • Blue Ridge Parkway (NC/VA) — 469 miles. Slow, scenic. Most senior-loved drive in US.
    • Pacific Coast Highway (CA) — Hwy 1, Big Sur. Stunning. Limited senior facilities — plan stops.
    • Great River Road (10 states) — follows Mississippi River. River towns, history, paddle boats.
    • Skyline Drive (VA) — Shenandoah. Compact, well-maintained.
    • Going-to-the-Sun Road (Glacier NP, MT) — only 50 miles but unforgettable.
    • Million Dollar Highway (CO) — beautiful but steep. Skip if vertigo.
    • Beartooth Highway (MT/WY) — 68 miles into Yellowstone backside.
    • Maine Coast Route 1 — slow Atlantic coastline + lobster rolls.

    Free trip planning

    • FHWA scenicbyways.cs.byu.edu — official US byway directory.
    • Roadtrippers app — find quirky stops along route.
    • iExit — what's at next exit.
    • NPS app — National Park Service. Trail maps, ranger programs.
    • Apple Maps Guides + Google Maps "Saved" — share lists with travel partner.
    • AllTrails — easy hikes near scenic stops.

    Senior-friendly tips

    • Drive 4-6 hours/day max — overnights in between.
    • Stop every 2 hours minimum.
    • Pack snacks, water, paper map (signal cuts out).
    • Pre-book hotels — small towns fill up.
    • America the Beautiful Senior Pass ($80 lifetime) — free entry to all national parks.
    • Consider RV vs hotel — many seniors love it.
    • Stick to well-traveled routes — no remote dirt roads.

    RV travel for seniors

    • RVshare / Outdoorsy — Airbnb for RVs. Try before buying.
    • KOA + Good Sam — best chains for seniors.
    • Harvest Hosts — overnight at wineries, farms ($110/yr).
    • Class B "camper van" — easiest to drive for first-time.
    • Consider RV insurance + roadside extra.

    Senior America the Beautiful Pass

    $80 LIFETIME for 62+. Free entry to all 2,000+ federal recreation sites including every National Park, BLM, USFS. Single best $80 a senior can spend on travel. Get at any park entrance OR usgs.gov/store.