A great road trip isn’t just about reaching your destination, it’s about enjoying the journey itself. Driving through scenic routes offers breathtaking views, peaceful landscapes, and unforgettable memories. Whether you love mountains, coastlines, forests, or deserts, these beautiful roads around the world promise an adventure you’ll never forget.
Here are 7 scenic routes you absolutely need to experience on your next road trip.
1. Pacific Coast Highway – California, USA
One of the most iconic coastal drives in the world, the Pacific Coast Highway offers dramatic ocean views, rugged cliffs, and charming beach towns. Stretching from San Diego to Northern California, this route is perfect for anyone who loves beaches, sunsets, and scenic photography.
Highlights: Big Sur, Malibu, Bixby Creek Bridge, Carmel-by-the-Sea.
2. Great Ocean Road – Victoria, Australia
Known for its breathtaking coastal cliffs, lush forests, and wildlife, the Great Ocean Road is a must-drive route for nature lovers. The star of the route is the famous limestone rock formation known as the Twelve Apostles.
Highlights: Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Bells Beach, rainforest walks.
3. Ring Road – Iceland
If you’re looking for dramatic landscapes, Iceland’s Ring Road is unmatched. This circular route takes you around the entire country, showcasing waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, hot springs, and black sand beaches.
Highlights: Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Reynisfjara Beach.
4. Garden Route – South Africa
This scenic drive stretches along South Africa’s southern coastline and offers incredible natural diversity. From beaches to mountains and wildlife reserves, the Garden Route is perfect for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts.
Highlights: Tsitsikamma National Park, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Storms River Bridge.
5. Amalfi Coast Road – Italy
Famous for its colorful cliffside towns and sparkling Mediterranean waters, the Amalfi Coast is a dream road trip destination. The winding coastal road is full of breathtaking views at every turn.
Highlights: Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, stunning seaside cliffs.
6. Route 66 – USA
Often called the “Mother Road,” Route 66 is a historic American classic. Stretching from Chicago to Los Angeles, it’s filled with quirky roadside attractions, old diners, and nostalgic towns.
Highlights: Cadillac Ranch, Petrified Forest National Park, Santa Monica Pier.
7. Cabot Trail – Nova Scotia, Canada
The Cabot Trail is one of Canada’s most beautiful drives, offering sweeping ocean views, mountain scenery, and charming fishing villages. It’s especially stunning in the fall when the leaves change color.
Highlights: Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Skyline Trail, scenic coastal lookouts.
Final Thoughts
A scenic road trip is more than just travel it’s an experience full of breathtaking views, peaceful moments, and unforgettable stories. Whether you’re exploring cliffs, coastlines, mountains, or countryside, these 7 scenic routes should be at the top of your travel list.
