12 Must-Try Scenic Drives for Large Groups Planning a road trip for a large group requires finding routes that offer spectacular views while remaining accessible for buses, motorhomes, or convoys of cars. The ideal scenic drive balances jaw-dropping scenery with ample, easy-to-access stops for stretching legs and taking photos. Whether you are traveling with a large extended family, a tour group, or a club, these 12 scenic drives in North America promise unforgettable landscapes and smooth navigation for large vehicles.
1. Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia/North CarolinaOften called “America’s Favorite Drive,” the Blue Ridge Parkway is perfect for large groups, particularly in the fall. Running through the Appalachian Highlands, this slow-paced road offers numerous overlooks suitable for buses, connecting Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With plenty of hiking trails and visitor centers, it is a versatile choice for varied group interests.
2. Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1), CaliforniaFor breathtaking ocean views, the Pacific Coast Highway in California is unmatched. Specifically, the segment between Monterey and Cambria provides dramatic cliffs and coastal vistas. Large groups can easily stop in charming towns like Carmel-by-the-Sea or visit the extensive parking facilities at Hearst Castle, making it a manageable and visually rewarding trip.
3. Going-to-the-Sun Road, MontanaLocated in Glacier National Park, this engineering marvel offers some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the country. While large motorhomes must check size restrictions, tour groups can take advantage of the park’s concessionaire-run buses. The drive traverses the Continental Divide at Logan Pass, offering wildflower meadows and glacier views that will leave everyone in awe.
4. Icefields Parkway, Alberta, CanadaConnecting Banff and Jasper National Parks, the Icefields Parkway is a dream for large groups looking for grand scale. This expansive highway passes by massive glaciers, turquoise lakes, and towering peaks. The route features large pullouts designed for tour buses, making it easy to visit spots like the Columbia Icefield and Peyto Lake.
5. Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia, CanadaFor a coastal adventure with a European feel, the Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island is superb. The road winds through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, offering breathtaking views where lush mountains meet the sea. It is well-equipped with viewpoints and charming Acadian villages that can accommodate groups for lunch.
6. Olympic Peninsula Loop (Highway 101), WashingtonThis loop offers incredible diversity, taking groups through dense rainforests, along dramatic coastlines, and past rugged mountains. A group trip here allows for stops at Lake Crescent and the Hoh Rain Forest, with ample parking and accessibility, making it an ideal nature-focused road trip.
7. Skyline Drive, VirginiaRunning the entire length of Shenandoah National Park, Skyline Drive is a 105-mile road along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It offers 75 overlooks, providing plenty of room for multiple vehicles to pull over and enjoy the stunning views of the Shenandoah Valley, especially during the fall foliage season.
8. Overseas Highway (Route 1), FloridaFor a completely different driving experience, the Overseas Highway carries travelers over 100 miles of water from mainland Florida to Key West. The drive is dotted with fishing spots, snorkeling areas, and restaurants that can handle large groups, all surrounded by the stunning turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.
9. Kancamagus Highway, New HampshireKnown simply as “The Kanc,” this 34-mile scenic byway through the White Mountain National Forest is a premier autumn destination. It offers a stunning, covered-bridge-dotted route with ample scenic turnouts for groups to enjoy the fall colors, often without the heavy traffic of more urban scenic routes.
10. Columbia River Gorge Scenic Byway, OregonJust east of Portland, this route offers dramatic river views and a high concentration of waterfalls, including the famous Multnomah Falls. The area is very visitor-friendly, with designated large vehicle parking areas, making it a perfect, efficient, and beautiful trip for groups.
11. Historic Route 66, ArizonaFor a dose of nostalgia, taking a group on a segment of Historic Route 66 in Arizona is a classic choice. The stretch between Kingman and Seligman offers vast desert vistas and quirky, historic pit stops that can accommodate larger crowds, providing a fun, retro American experience.
12. Utah Scenic Byway 12, UtahThis route through the heart of Utah’s canyon country offers some of the most dramatic geological scenery in the world. Passing through Dixie National Forest and near Bryce Canyon National Park, the road offers large, scenic pullouts with panoramic views of red rock formations, providing an unforgettable experience for group travelers.
Organizing a trip for a large group is all about finding a balance between breathtaking scenery and accommodating infrastructure. These scenic drives offer the perfect mix of expansive views and necessary amenities, ensuring a memorable experience for everyone on board. Whether traversing mountainous peaks or coastlines, these routes provide a perfect backdrop for a group adventure.
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