🚗 Road Trip Guide 2025

Top 10 Scenic Toll Roads Worth Every Penny

Discover America's most breathtaking drives where the toll is a small price for unforgettable views and experiences

✍️ Sarah Mitchell 📅 April 2, 2025 ⏱️ 18 min read 📍 10 Destinations

🌉 🏔️ 🌊 🌲

When the Journey Is Worth the Toll

Let's face it: nobody loves paying tolls. But some roads offer such spectacular scenery, unique experiences, and unforgettable memories that the toll becomes an investment in adventure rather than just another expense.

From California's dramatic coastline to Alaska's remote wilderness, from Florida's ocean-spanning bridges to Virginia's engineering marvels, these ten scenic routes prove that sometimes the best things in life aren't free—but they're absolutely worth it.

What Makes a Toll Road Worth It?

🎨

Natural Beauty

Breathtaking landscapes you can't experience anywhere else

🏗️

Engineering Marvels

Iconic structures and innovative design

⭐

Unique Experience

Once-in-a-lifetime drives worth the investment

💡 Pro Tip

We've included several FREE scenic drives in this list (like the Blue Ridge Parkway and Hana Highway) to prove that while some toll roads are worth it, the best drives aren't always the most expensive. Use these to plan an epic road trip that balances paid and free scenic routes!

Quick Comparison: Top 5 At-A-Glance

Scenic Drive	Toll Cost	Value Rating	Scenic Rating
17-Mile Drive	$11.25	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel	$14.00	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Golden Gate Bridge	$9.75	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Overseas Highway	$1-3	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Blue Ridge Parkway	FREE	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Ultimate Scenic Toll Roads

$11.25 17 miles

17-Mile Drive

📍 Pebble Beach, California

Perhaps the most famous scenic toll road in America, 17-Mile Drive winds through Pebble Beach's stunning coastal landscape. This private road offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, pristine beaches, and some of the world's most exclusive golf courses.

✨ Highlights

• Iconic Lone Cypress tree
• Dramatic Pacific coastline
• World-famous golf courses
• Seal and sea lion colonies
• Spanish Bay Beach

On the Road

✓
Start early - Beat crowds and get the best lighting for photos
✓
Use pullouts safely - Never stop in travel lanes; use designated viewpoints
✓
Allow extra time - Scenic drives take longer than GPS estimates suggest
✓
Respect speed limits - These roads are designed for sightseeing, not racing
✓
Leave no trace - Pack out all trash and respect the environment

$1.00-$3.00 (various toll plazas) 113 miles (Miami to Key West)

Overseas Highway (Seven Mile Bridge)

📍 Florida Keys

The Overseas Highway is one of the world's most unique drives, stretching across 42 bridges over crystal-clear waters. The iconic Seven Mile Bridge makes you feel like you're driving on water, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other.

✨ Highlights

• Seven Mile Bridge - engineering marvel
• Turquoise waters on both sides
• 42 bridges connecting islands
• Stunning sunrise and sunset views
• Tropical island hopping experience

On the Road

✓
Start early - Beat crowds and get the best lighting for photos
✓
Use pullouts safely - Never stop in travel lanes; use designated viewpoints
✓
Allow extra time - Scenic drives take longer than GPS estimates suggest
✓
Respect speed limits - These roads are designed for sightseeing, not racing
✓
Leave no trace - Pack out all trash and respect the environment

$14.00 (one-way) 23 miles

Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel

📍 Virginia

This engineering masterpiece combines bridges, tunnels, and artificial islands to cross the Chesapeake Bay. The route alternates between soaring above the water and diving beneath it, offering a truly unique driving experience.

✨ Highlights

• Longest bridge-tunnel complex in the world
• Four man-made islands
• Panoramic bay views
• Dolphin watching opportunities
• Engineering marvel - travels above and below water

On the Road

✓
Start early - Beat crowds and get the best lighting for photos
✓
Use pullouts safely - Never stop in travel lanes; use designated viewpoints
✓
Allow extra time - Scenic drives take longer than GPS estimates suggest
✓
Respect speed limits - These roads are designed for sightseeing, not racing
✓
Leave no trace - Pack out all trash and respect the environment

FREE! (No toll) 469 miles

Blue Ridge Parkway

📍 Virginia & North Carolina

While technically toll-free, we included the Blue Ridge Parkway because it sets the gold standard for scenic drives. This National Parkway showcases the beauty of the Appalachian Highlands with nearly 500 miles of uninterrupted mountain scenery.

✨ Highlights

• America's most scenic drive (entirely free!)
• Endless mountain vistas
• Over 250 overlooks
• Appalachian Trail access
• Historic sites and craft centers

On the Road

✓
Start early - Beat crowds and get the best lighting for photos
✓
Use pullouts safely - Never stop in travel lanes; use designated viewpoints
✓
Allow extra time - Scenic drives take longer than GPS estimates suggest
✓
Respect speed limits - These roads are designed for sightseeing, not racing
✓
Leave no trace - Pack out all trash and respect the environment

$13.00 (round-trip) 2.5 miles

Whittier Access Tunnel

📍 Alaska

This isn't your typical scenic drive - it's a 2.5-mile tunnel through a mountain that's shared with trains! But what makes it worth every penny is where it leads: the remote town of Whittier and access to spectacular Prince William Sound glacier cruises.

✨ Highlights

• Longest highway tunnel in North America
• Shared with trains (one lane!)
• Portal to stunning Whittier
• Dramatic mountain scenery
• Access to Prince William Sound

On the Road

✓
Start early - Beat crowds and get the best lighting for photos
✓
Use pullouts safely - Never stop in travel lanes; use designated viewpoints
✓
Allow extra time - Scenic drives take longer than GPS estimates suggest
✓
Respect speed limits - These roads are designed for sightseeing, not racing
✓
Leave no trace - Pack out all trash and respect the environment

$9.75 (southbound only) 1.7 miles

Golden Gate Bridge

📍 San Francisco, California

The Golden Gate Bridge needs no introduction. This Art Deco masterpiece spans the Golden Gate strait and offers stunning views of San Francisco, the bay, and the Pacific Ocean. Driving across it is a quintessential California experience.

✨ Highlights

• World's most photographed bridge
• Iconic Art Deco design
• San Francisco Bay panoramas
• Alcatraz Island views
• Marin Headlands backdrop

On the Road

✓
Start early - Beat crowds and get the best lighting for photos
✓
Use pullouts safely - Never stop in travel lanes; use designated viewpoints
✓
Allow extra time - Scenic drives take longer than GPS estimates suggest
✓
Respect speed limits - These roads are designed for sightseeing, not racing
✓
Leave no trace - Pack out all trash and respect the environment

FREE (No toll) 50 miles

Turnagain Arm (Seward Highway)

📍 Alaska

Another toll-free gem! The Seward Highway hugs Turnagain Arm with the Chugach Mountains rising dramatically on one side and the inlet's waters on the other. It's considered one of the most scenic drives in North America.

✨ Highlights

• One of America's most scenic highways
• Beluga whale sightings
• Dramatic mountain-to-sea views
• Bore tide phenomenon
• Dall sheep on cliffs

On the Road

✓
Start early - Beat crowds and get the best lighting for photos
✓
Use pullouts safely - Never stop in travel lanes; use designated viewpoints
✓
Allow extra time - Scenic drives take longer than GPS estimates suggest
✓
Respect speed limits - These roads are designed for sightseeing, not racing
✓
Leave no trace - Pack out all trash and respect the environment

FREE (No toll) 52 miles

Hana Highway

📍 Maui, Hawaii

The Road to Hana is an adventure through paradise. This winding coastal road passes through tropical rainforest, over historic bridges, and past countless waterfalls. It's about the journey, not the destination.

✨ Highlights

• 617 curves and 59 bridges
• Lush rainforest scenery
• Dramatic coastal cliffs
• Numerous waterfall stops
• Black sand beaches

On the Road

✓
Start early - Beat crowds and get the best lighting for photos
✓
Use pullouts safely - Never stop in travel lanes; use designated viewpoints
✓
Allow extra time - Scenic drives take longer than GPS estimates suggest
✓
Respect speed limits - These roads are designed for sightseeing, not racing
✓
Leave no trace - Pack out all trash and respect the environment

FREE (No toll) 25 miles

George Washington Memorial Parkway

📍 Virginia/Washington D.C.

This scenic parkway follows the Potomac River, connecting numerous historic sites and offering beautiful views of the nation's capital. It's especially stunning during cherry blossom season.

✨ Highlights

• Potomac River views
• Historic sites and monuments
• Arlington Cemetery access
• Great Falls Park
• Bike-friendly paths alongside

On the Road

✓
Start early - Beat crowds and get the best lighting for photos
✓
Use pullouts safely - Never stop in travel lanes; use designated viewpoints
✓
Allow extra time - Scenic drives take longer than GPS estimates suggest
✓
Respect speed limits - These roads are designed for sightseeing, not racing
✓
Leave no trace - Pack out all trash and respect the environment

#10

Varies ($1-$5 at various points) 72 miles (full loop)

Lake Tahoe Scenic Drive

📍 California/Nevada

The loop around Lake Tahoe offers constantly changing views of one of America's most beautiful alpine lakes. From Emerald Bay's turquoise waters to stunning mountain vistas, every mile is spectacular.

✨ Highlights

• Crystal-clear alpine lake
• Sierra Nevada mountain views
• Emerald Bay - most photographed
• Beach access points
• Year-round activities

On the Road

✓
Start early - Beat crowds and get the best lighting for photos
✓
Use pullouts safely - Never stop in travel lanes; use designated viewpoints
✓
Allow extra time - Scenic drives take longer than GPS estimates suggest
✓
Respect speed limits - These roads are designed for sightseeing, not racing
✓
Leave no trace - Pack out all trash and respect the environment

Photography Tips for Scenic Drives

📸

Golden Hours

Shoot during sunrise/sunset for dramatic lighting and fewer crowds

🎥

Dashcam Footage

Record the full drive - you can extract still frames later

🚗

Safety First

Never take photos while driving; always pull over completely

Budget Your Scenic Road Trip

Here's what you can expect to spend on tolls for these scenic routes:

💰 Total Toll Costs

17-Mile Drive $11.25

Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel $14.00

Golden Gate Bridge $9.75

Whittier Tunnel (round-trip) $13.00

Overseas Highway (multiple plazas) ~$3.00

Lake Tahoe (various points) ~$5.00

Total if driving all paid routes: ~$56

🎉 FREE Scenic Drives (Zero Tolls!)

Blue Ridge Parkway (469 mi) FREE

Turnagain Arm / Seward Hwy FREE

Hana Highway (52 mi) FREE

George Washington Parkway FREE

Total savings on free routes: $0!

* You'll still need to budget for gas, food, and accommodations, but these world-class scenic drives cost nothing in tolls!

💡 Money-Saving Tips

💳

Get a Toll Pass

E-ZPass works in 19 states and often offers discounts

🏕️

Camp Instead of Hotels

Many scenic routes have affordable campgrounds nearby

🍱

Pack Your Meals

Scenic route restaurants often charge premium prices

Sample Road Trip Itineraries

Combine multiple scenic routes into unforgettable road trips:

🌊

California Coast Adventure (7-10 Days)

Route Highlights:

Day 1-2: San Francisco → Golden Gate Bridge → Muir Woods
Day 3: 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach
Day 4-5: Big Sur Coast (Highway 1) - Free but incredible
Day 6-7: Santa Barbara → Los Angeles → San Diego

Estimated Tolls: ~$21

🏔️

Alaska Wilderness Expedition (10-14 Days)

Route Highlights:

Day 1-3: Anchorage → Turnagain Arm (Seward Highway) → Seward
Day 4: Whittier Access Tunnel → Prince William Sound cruise
Day 5-7: Denali National Park
Day 8-10: Fairbanks → Arctic Circle (Dalton Highway)

Estimated Tolls: $13 (mostly free!)

🌴

Florida & Hawaii Islands (Split Trip)

Route Highlights:

Florida: Miami → Overseas Highway → Key West (2-3 days)
Hawaii: Maui - Road to Hana (full day adventure)

Estimated Tolls: ~$3 (Hana is free!)

🍂

East Coast Fall Foliage Tour (7-10 Days)

Route Highlights:

Day 1-2: Washington D.C. → George Washington Parkway
Day 3-6: Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia → North Carolina)
Day 7: Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel crossing

Estimated Tolls: $14 (Blue Ridge is free!)

Safety First: Scenic Drive Precautions

⚠️ Common Hazards

•
Distracted driving: Pull over completely to take photos - never shoot while driving
•
Weather changes: Mountain and coastal weather can shift rapidly
•
Wildlife crossings: Slow down in animal-prone areas, especially dawn/dusk
•
Narrow roads: Many scenic routes have tight curves and limited shoulders
•
Cell service gaps: Download offline maps and tell someone your route

✅ Safety Checklist

☐ Full tank of gas before remote routes
☐ Emergency kit: first aid, flashlight, blanket, water
☐ Spare tire and jack (check condition)
☐ Phone fully charged + portable charger
☐ Share your itinerary with friends/family
☐ Check road conditions and closures beforehand
☐ Winter: chains/snow tires for mountain passes

Emergency Tip: If you break down on a toll road, pull as far off the traveled lane as possible, turn on hazard lights, stay in your vehicle with seatbelt fastened, and call for help. Many toll roads have emergency call boxes or dedicated assistance numbers.

Protect What You Love: Responsible Travel

These scenic routes exist because people have worked to preserve them. Here's how to be a responsible road tripper:

🌱

Leave No Trace

• Pack out all trash (even biodegradable items)
• Stay on designated trails and viewpoints
• Don't pick flowers or disturb wildlife
• Use restrooms at facilities, not roadsides

🐻

Respect Wildlife

• Never feed animals (it harms them)
• Keep safe distances (use zoom lenses)
• Don't chase or corner animals for photos
• Slow down in wildlife crossing areas

🏘️

Support Local

• Buy from local businesses along the route
• Respect private property boundaries
• Follow local regulations and customs
• Consider staying at local accommodations

Your Next Adventure Awaits

The best road trips aren't measured in miles or dollars—they're measured in moments. The gasp when you first see the Pacific from 17-Mile Drive. The surreal feeling of driving over water on the Seven Mile Bridge. The autumn colors that make the Blue Ridge Parkway glow like it's on fire.

These ten scenic routes—some costing a few dollars, others completely free—prove that America's most beautiful drives are within reach of anyone with a car and a sense of adventure. The tolls? They're not just fees; they're investments in memories that will last a lifetime.

Ready to Hit the Road?

Start Planning:

✓ Pick your season and destination
✓ Set up electronic toll payments
✓ Book accommodations along the route
✓ Create a flexible itinerary

Before You Leave:

✓ Vehicle maintenance check
✓ Download offline maps
✓ Pack emergency supplies
✓ Charge all devices

⛰️ 🌊 🌉 🚗 ✨

The open road is calling. Will you answer?

Continue Reading

💰

Deducting Toll Expenses

Learn how to write off business travel tolls and save on taxes

📱

Best Toll Calculator Apps

Compare E-ZPass, FasTrak, and other electronic toll systems

Planning Your Scenic Road Trip

Before You Go

1.
Check toll payment options - Some roads accept cash, others require electronic tolling (E-ZPass, FasTrak)
2.
Research seasonal closures - Mountain passes may close in winter; some roads have restricted hours
3.
Download offline maps - Cell service can be spotty on remote scenic routes
4.
Pack essentials - Water, snacks, first aid, phone charger, camera
5.
Check weather forecasts - Some routes are dangerous in bad weather

Found This Guide Helpful?

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Share Your Experience

Have you driven any of these scenic toll roads? Which one is your favorite? Share your tips and stories in the comments below!

💬 Join the Conversation

We'd love to hear about your experiences on these scenic routes. Your insights help fellow travelers plan better trips!

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