Discover scenic drives tagged as 💎 Hidden Gems—lesser-known routes that offer stunning views, quiet charm, and unforgettable detours off the beaten path. Explore the roads most travelers miss.
Not every incredible drive makes the guidebooks — and that’s exactly where the 💎 Hidden Gem tag comes in. These are the routes that quietly impress: roads that wind through breathtaking landscapes, sleepy towns, or offbeat attractions most travelers overlook. They might not carry national recognition, but they leave a lasting impression on those who take the time to explore them.
Some Hidden Gems might trace the shores of little-known lakes, carve through dense backwoods, or cross through regions steeped in local history. Others might serve as scenic bypasses that rival the main highway — slower, yes, but infinitely more rewarding. Often, these routes are kept alive by those who know and love them best: locals, roadtrippers, and curious wanderers alike.
When you see the 💎 Hidden Gem tag, think of it as a personal recommendation from the road itself. These aren’t just alternate paths — they’re memorable experiences waiting to be discovered, filmed, and shared.
Take a short but powerful drive along U.S. Route 62 from U.S. Highway 51 to Fort Defiance, Illinois, and on into Missouri. Explore the historic confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers and cross the Cairo Mississippi River Bridge into the heart of America.
Drive across the iconic Hoover Dam between Nevada and Arizona, traveling both directions over the top of this engineering marvel spanning the Colorado River and Lake Mead. Explore a one-of-a-kind border crossing surrounded by desert cliffs, deep blue water, and a legacy…
Take a short but unforgettable drive across the real London Bridge—now proudly spanning Lake Havasu’s Bridgewater Channel in Arizona. Discover the fascinating story behind how this Victorian structure was relocated stone-by-stone from London to the American Southwest.
Take a scenic drive from Flagstaff to Valle, Arizona along U.S. Route 180. Explore the San Francisco Peaks, Kaibab National Forest, and volcanic landmarks on this 49-mile route to the Grand Canyon.