As the saying goes, sometimes the journey is more important than the destination. Nowhere is this truer than on America's most scenic drives, where the majestic beauty on display transforms the journey into the destination itself. These scenic byways are not merely routes from Point A to Point B; they are sought-after experiences that captivate travelers with their breathtaking views and rich histories.

USA TODAY 10BEST assembled a panel of travel experts to nominate gorgeous routes. Then, readers voted to decide the winners, all of which have been designated scenic byways on a state or national level. Each of these offers stunning vistas that highlight the natural beauty of their regions and often celebrate their storied pasts.

No. 10: Going-to-the-Sun Road
Glacier National Park, Montana

Montana's aptly-named Going-to-the-Sun Road is the only road that traverses Glacier National Park — its 50-mile route crosses the Continental Divide and goes over Logan Pass, which has an elevation of 6,646 feet. The road is an architectural marvel and is both a National Historic Landmark and Historical Engineering Landmark. Take it slow on the hairpin bends and experience the magic of spots like Bird Woman Falls and Going-to-the-Sun Mountain. Keep an eye out for local wildlife — Glacier National Park has a high concentration of bighorn sheep and grizzly bears.

No. 9: Midland Trail National Scenic Byway
West Virginia

The Midland Trail National Scenic Byway takes in all the best scenery of West Virginia as it travels 117 miles across the state, border to border — it's a bit longer if you include a couple detours. The byway follows Route 60, which was part of the first transcontinental auto route in the country. En route, you'll pass through historic Charleston, the state capital, and drive through beautiful Hawks Nest State Park, which boasts challenging white-water rafting and abundant hiking.

No. 8: Door County Coastal Byway
Wisconsin

Door County Coastal Byway is a 66-mile scenic loop that connects travelers to three state parks and 10 county parks, showcasing the best of Lake Michigan and northern Wisconsin. For a real treat on this curvy road, plan your road trip for the fall, when the orchards are full of fruit and the leaves have turned fiery crimson and gold. Other highlights include the 400-million-year-old Niagara Escarpment bluffs and the sandy beaches found along Lake Michigan.

No. 7: Minnesota North Shore Scenic Drive
Minnesota

You'll have fantastic views of Lake Superior, complete with waterfalls, rugged cliffs, and forested hills on the 154-mile Minnesota North Shore Scenic Drive. The road runs along the pristine north shore of the lake from Duluth to Grand Portage near the Canadian border and passes through many state parks along the way. Break up your journey by visiting the Great Lakes Aquarium, going for a hike on the Superior Hiking Trail, and stopping at the Grand Portage National Monument fur-trading post for some souvenirs. There's also excellent fresh fish to be had at many charming towns along the shore.

No. 6: Pacific Coast Highway
California

Pacific Coast Highway stretches from San Francisco to San Diego, offering breathtaking views of California's cliffy coastline and crashing waves. Highlights include Golden Gate Park, surfing in Santa Cruz, redwood forests in Big Sur, the Elephant Seal Rookery in Cambria, sea otters in Morro Bay, wineries near San Luis Obispo, and the sun-kissed charm of Los Angeles and San Diego. It takes about a week to fully appreciate everything this 600-mile route has to offer. Stretches of the drive are closed indefinitely due to storm damage and shifting terrain, but despite the detours, this drive remains truly spectacular.

No. 5: U.S. Route 66
Multiple states

U.S. Route 66 is one of America's most classic drives — it depicts the storied history of road travel across the country. Running about 2,450 miles from Los Angeles to Chicago, there are more than 250 buildings, bridges, and other sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places to be found along the route, like the Art Deco-style U Drop Inn in Texas, and Milk Bottle Grocery in Oklahoma. Other highlights include the quirky Cadillac Ranch, the colorful Painted Desert, and the Route 66 Hall of Fame Museum in Illinois. The landscape is every bit as impressive as the historic sites along the way.

No. 4: Schoodic National Scenic Byway
Maine

The Schoodic National Scenic Byway is a 29-mile route that passes through some of the most unspoiled and beautiful coastal landscapes in Maine. You'll take in charming fishing villages, isolated lighthouses, and travel through the only mainland section of Acadia National Park. Highlights include mountain and sea views from Schoodic Point, and the amazing reversing falls at Tidal Falls Preserve. There's great kayaking, canoeing, and hiking along the way, and be sure to stop for some fresh Maine lobster.

No. 3: Blue Ridge Parkway
North Carolina and Virginia

As the longest linear park in the U.S., the Blue Ridge Parkway winds 469 miles between Virginia and North Carolina, traversing the Appalachians from Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains. There are excellent points to hike, swim, and rock climb just off the road, there are stunning vistas, and a diverse selection of plant and animal life can be found along the way. Spots like Ravens Roost, Laurel Knob, and Smart View offer beautiful landscape vistas and a chance to break up the journey.

No. 2: Natchez Trace Parkway
Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee

The 444-mile Natchez Trace Parkway offers a scenic journey through 10,000 years of history, tracing an ancient trade corridor once used by American Indians, traders, soldiers, and settlers. You'll find ancient burial mounds and hundreds of archaeological sites along the route, you can stop for some excellent fishing and birding, and the recreational opportunities here are endless, as the Natchez Trace features plenty of great hiking trails, bicycling paths, and campgrounds.

No. 1: Great River Road
Multiple states

Great River Road follows the course of the Mississippi River for 3,000 miles from Minnesota to the Gulf Coast, passing through 10 states and hundreds of river towns. It's one of the longest scenic byways in the country. Highlights are numerous, but some of the best include starting with some hiking and boating in Minnesota's Lake Itasca State Park, visiting Graceland in Memphis and the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, and finishing the journey by dining and partying in New Orleans after an epic trip down Big Muddy, the Mississippi River.