Whether you’re chasing dramatic coastlines, winding mountain passes, or desert landscapes that stretch to the horizon, few adventures compare to a great road trip. There’s something timeless about the open road, windows down, favorite songs playing, and the freedom to stop wherever the view demands it. These ten iconic road trips showcase some of the best that the world has to offer. Each journey offers something unique, from surreal scenery to rich culture to remote beauty. If you’re building your travel bucket list, these road trips deserve a top spot.
Pacific Coast Highway, California, USA
The Pacific Coast Highway, or Highway 1, runs along the California coast and is one of the most scenic drives in the world. Starting from Southern California and winding all the way up to the north, this route hugs the cliffs above the Pacific Ocean, offering breathtaking views of rocky beaches, sea stacks, and crashing waves. Highlights include stops in Big Sur, Monterey, Santa Barbara, and San Francisco. Along the way, travelers can explore seaside towns, sample local wine in Paso Robles, or relax in hot springs tucked into the cliffs. It’s best done slowly, with time for detours and sunsets.
Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia
Australia’s Great Ocean Road is a 150-mile stretch that delivers jaw-dropping coastal views at every turn. Beginning in the town of Torquay and ending in Allansford, this route takes drivers past the famed Twelve Apostles, a series of towering limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean. Wildlife sightings are common, including koalas in eucalyptus trees and kangaroos hopping across fields. Travelers can also explore rainforests, waterfalls, and beaches as they cruise this diverse and wild coastline. It’s an ideal way to experience Australia’s natural beauty in just a few days.
Garden Route, South Africa
The Garden Route stretches about 190 miles between Mossel Bay and Storms River, and it offers one of South Africa’s most scenic drives. This route passes through a mix of coastal towns, forests, lagoons, and mountain passes. Highlights include the Tsitsikamma National Park, Knysna’s lush estuary, and the rugged cliffs of Wilderness. Adventure seekers can bungee jump from Bloukrans Bridge, hike along cliffside trails, or go whale watching from the shore. The Garden Route is a perfect mix of culture, nature, and heart-pounding activities.
Ring Road, Iceland
Iceland’s Ring Road, known as Route 1, circles the island and covers approximately 830 miles. This road trip offers an ever-changing backdrop of volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, lava fields, and geothermal springs. Each region along the way has its own distinct personality. You can stop to see black sand beaches in Vik, gaze at icebergs in Jökulsárlón, or soak in a natural hot spring near Myvatn. In the summer, the midnight sun allows for nearly continuous daylight, while winter travelers might catch the Northern Lights dancing above icy landscapes.
Route 66, USA
This classic American road trip is steeped in nostalgia and history. Route 66 originally stretched from Chicago to Santa Monica, covering nearly 2,500 miles. Though parts of the original road have been replaced by modern highways, many segments remain drivable and packed with vintage diners, neon signs, quirky roadside attractions, and motels frozen in time. Travelers can visit landmarks like the Cadillac Ranch in Texas, Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona, and the Santa Monica Pier in California. Route 66 captures the golden age of road travel in the United States.
Amalfi Coast Drive, Italy
Italy’s Amalfi Coast offers a glamorous and thrilling drive along one of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful coastlines. The route from Sorrento to Salerno winds along steep cliffs, with villages like Positano and Ravello clinging to the hillsides. The road is narrow and full of hairpin turns, so it’s not for the faint of heart, but the reward is views of colorful buildings, turquoise water, and lemon groves. Stop for fresh seafood, walk ancient stone paths, or sip espresso in a cliffside cafe. This trip blends natural beauty with classic Italian charm.
Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia, Canada
The Cabot Trail loops around the northern part of Cape Breton Island and covers about 185 miles. It’s known for dramatic coastal cliffs, highland scenery, and vibrant autumn foliage. The drive takes you through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, where moose and bald eagles are common sightings. With stops in Celtic-influenced villages, scenic lookouts, and seafood restaurants, the Cabot Trail offers a peaceful and culturally rich experience. This road trip is especially stunning in the fall, when the forests explode with color.
Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
Stretching more than 1,500 miles along Ireland’s rugged west coast, the Wild Atlantic Way is one of the longest defined coastal routes in the world. This drive passes through sleepy fishing villages, ancient castles, and dramatic cliffs. Highlights include the Cliffs of Moher, the Dingle Peninsula, and Connemara’s wind-swept landscapes. Expect unpredictable weather, lively pubs, and warm hospitality at every stop. The route offers a deep look at traditional Irish culture paired with raw natural beauty. It’s an unforgettable drive for those who love sea views and storytelling.
North Coast 500, Scotland
The North Coast 500 is a circular route of about 500 miles through the Scottish Highlands, starting and ending in Inverness. It showcases the wild, remote beauty of northern Scotland with its rugged coastline, lochs, castles, and quiet villages. Drivers will pass through places like Applecross, Durness, and John o’Groats, each with its own charm and history. The landscapes here are cinematic, especially at sunrise or under misty skies. Travelers can enjoy seafood fresh off the boat, visit whisky distilleries, or hike ancient trails through the highlands.
Carretera Austral, Chile
For those who seek adventure off the beaten path, Chile’s Carretera Austral offers a raw and unfiltered driving experience through Patagonia. The road stretches over 770 miles from Puerto Montt to Villa O’Higgins, winding through forests, fjords, glaciers, and snow-capped peaks. Much of the route is unpaved and remote, requiring careful planning, but the reward is access to some of the most untouched landscapes in the world. Travelers can kayak in turquoise lakes, explore national parks like Queulat and Cerro Castillo, and encounter few tourists. This road trip is for those who want to feel truly connected to nature.
From One Point To Another
A road trip is more than just a journey from one point to another. It’s a way to experience a place in slow motion, to meet locals, take detours, and stumble upon surprises that no itinerary could predict. Whether you prefer luxury coastal drives or rugged wilderness routes, there is a road trip on this list for every kind of traveler. These ten drives offer something timeless, unforgettable, and deeply personal. So fuel up, pick your playlist, and hit the road. Your next great adventure is waiting just around the bend.
Read More: 17 Unusual U.S. Destinations Every Solo Traveler Should Visit at Least Once
Disclaimer: This article was created with AI assistance and edited by a human for accuracy and clarity.
