There’s nothing better than hitting the open road with good tunes, great company, and the promise of unforgettable meals. For foodies, travel is about much more than reaching a destination. It’s about savoring every bite and every breathtaking view along the way. Some roads lead to scenic overlooks, while others wind through culinary hotspots that will make your taste buds sing. What if you could have both? These seven foodie road trips combine mouthwatering eats with jaw-dropping scenery, giving you the perfect excuse to hop in the car and fuel your wanderlust (and your belly). From coastal highways to mountain passes, here’s your guide to blending flavors and sights on your next adventure.

1. California’s Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1)

No foodie road trip list is complete without Highway 1. Stretching along California’s coastline, this iconic route is a feast for the eyes as much as the stomach. Imagine rugged cliffs crashing against the Pacific and golden beaches stretching for miles.

Start in Los Angeles, grabbing fresh seafood at Neptune’s Net, a hidden gem loved by locals. Then, drive north toward Santa Barbara for wine-tasting tours and farm-to-table dining. Keep heading through Big Sur, where you’ll find spots like Nepenthe, a clifftop eatery serving dreamy ocean views alongside its meals. Finally, wrap up in San Francisco with a bowl of clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl at Fisherman’s Wharf.

Why it’s special: The perfect mix of seafood, wine country, and postcard-worthy vistas.

2. The Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia and North Carolina)

Nicknamed "America’s Favorite Drive," the Blue Ridge Parkway is beautifully scenic and absolutely packed with Southern food gems. This 469-mile stretch runs through Appalachian valleys, creating a stunning backdrop of rolling hills and fall foliage.

Begin in Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park, where cozy inns serve homemade pies and farm-fresh breakfast spreads. Along the way, stop in Asheville, NC, a foodie paradise known for its craft breweries, barbecue joints, and innovative farm-to-table restaurants. Don’t forget to pair your meal with cider or mead made just down the road.

Why it’s special: Cozy, homemade Southern cuisine meets Appalachian charm.

3. Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge Scenic Byway

This PNW road trip is food and nature nirvana for those who love fresh, local eats. The Columbia River Gorge Scenic Byway takes you past cascading waterfalls, dense forests, and sprawling vineyards.

Kick things off in Portland, where food carts serve up creative dishes from around the globe. Follow the Columbia River east, stopping at Hood River for fresh-baked pastries and locally roasted coffee. This area is also known as the “Fruit Loop,” thanks to its orchards bursting with cherries, peaches, and apples. Along the way, grab a flight of Oregon Pinot Noir at the many wineries that dot the route.

Why it’s special: Lush scenery paired with hyper-local flavors like fresh fruit, wine, and farm-grown produce.

4. Louisiana’s Cajun Country Food Trail

If you’re ready for bold flavors and lively culture, Cajun Country in Louisiana is the route for you. Think steamy bowls of gumbo, crispy fried boudin balls, and crawfish étouffée, all spiced to perfection.

Start in Lafayette, the unofficial capital of Cajun cuisine, where food spots like Prejean’s serve hearty portions of jambalaya. Drive through Breaux Bridge to sample all things crawfish, then end your route in Lake Charles, home to friendly locals and authentic po’ boys. Along the way, you’ll also find small zydeco music venues to dance off all those rich meals.

Why it’s special: A spicy blend of culture, music, and unforgettable meals.

5. Texas Hill Country Wine & BBQ Trail

Big skies. Rolling hills. Smoked meats. If that sounds like heaven, you need to try the Texas Hill Country Wine & BBQ Trail. This lesser-known foodie route marries Texas’ reputation for tangy barbecue with its surprisingly impressive wine scene.

Start in Austin for some of the best BBQ brisket around. Franklin Barbecue usually has a long line, but the melt-in-your-mouth flavor is worth the wait. Drive west toward Fredericksburg, a charming small town surrounded by vineyards, where you can sip wine while enjoying live music. Round out the trip by making your way through Llano, where old-school smokehouses serve ribs that fall off the bone.

Why it’s special: Who knew BBQ and wine could work so well together?

6. New England’s Coastal Route 1

The ultimate pilgrimage for seafood lovers, Route 1 along the New England coast is seafood royalty territory. From lobster shacks to waterfront oysters, there's something ocean-fresh at every turn.

Start in Boston for chowder and lobster rolls before heading north through coastal towns like Gloucester and Rockport. Near Portland, Maine, you’ll find restaurants serving freshly shucked oysters and whole lobsters drenched in butter. Cap off your trip by visiting Acadia National Park, where you can enjoy a seafood picnic with views of rugged cliffs and crashing waves.

Why it’s special: Lobster rolls served with a side of sea breeze.

7. The Santa Fe Margarita Trail (New Mexico)

This one’s for those who prefer their foodie trips with a dash of tequila. Santa Fe’s Margarita Trail is an epic foodie road trip as well as a celebration of the Southwest’s bold flavors and colorful landscapes.

Start in the heart of Santa Fe, grabbing your Margarita Trail Passport, which provides discounts and guides to 40+ margarita spots across the region. Along the way, enjoy Southwest classics like green chile stew, tamales, and blue corn enchiladas. When you’re not sipping margaritas, soak in the desert views, or explore local art galleries.

Why it’s special: It’s a whole road trip dedicated to blended drinks and spicy eats.

Whether you love fresh seafood, smoky BBQ, or just an unforgettable view with your meal, these foodie road trips have you covered. Each one brings its own unique twist, delivering flavors and sights that you’ll be dreaming about long after the last bite. All that’s left to do is pack your bags, plan your pit stops, and set off on the ultimate road trip adventure.