There’s something incredibly freeing about hitting the open road with nothing but the horizon ahead and a sense of adventure in your heart. Whether it’s winding through lush mountains, cruising along ocean cliffs, or driving under a canopy of stars, road trips offer an intimate way to experience the world. If you’re craving the journey just as much as the destination, these 10 scenic road trips around the globe will leave you absolutely breathless.
1. Pacific Coast Highway (California, USA)
Distance: ~655 miles
Best Time to Go: April to October
The Pacific Coast Highway, also known as Highway 1, stretches along California’s stunning coastline. Starting from San Francisco and ending in San Diego, this route treats you to dramatic cliffs, ocean views, and quaint coastal towns like Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Santa Barbara.
Highlights:
- Bixby Creek Bridge
- Big Sur coastline
- Hearst Castle
- Elephant seals at Piedras Blancas
Why It’s Mind-Blowing:
Few drives match the raw, cinematic beauty of California’s coastline. With the Pacific Ocean shimmering to your right and towering redwoods on your left, every twist and turn feels like a scene from a Hollywood movie.
2. Great Ocean Road (Victoria, Australia)
Distance: ~150 miles
Best Time to Go: December to March
This legendary coastal route runs from Torquay to Allansford and showcases Australia’s natural beauty like no other. The journey is compact, but packed with jaw-dropping scenery, wildlife, and surf towns.
Highlights:
- The Twelve Apostles limestone stacks
- Otway National Park
- Koalas in Kennett River
- Bells Beach
Why It’s Mind-Blowing:
This road hugs the edge of cliffs with the roaring Southern Ocean below. Sunrise over the Apostles or a misty rainforest detour makes this drive unforgettable.
3. Ring Road (Route 1, Iceland)
Distance: ~828 miles
Best Time to Go: June to September
Iceland’s Ring Road circles the entire island, passing through a surreal mix of waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, hot springs, and black sand beaches.
Highlights:
- Seljalandsfoss & Skógafoss waterfalls
- Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
- Myvatn Nature Baths
- Northern Lights (in autumn/winter)
Why It’s Mind-Blowing:
Nowhere else can you see so many geological wonders in one trip. The landscape constantly changes, giving you the feeling of driving through another planet.
4. Garden Route (South Africa)
Distance: ~190 miles
Best Time to Go: September to April
From Mossel Bay to Storms River, South Africa’s Garden Route is lush with forests, lagoons, mountains, and charming towns.
Highlights:
- Knysna Heads
- Tsitsikamma National Park
- Oudtshoorn’s ostrich farms
- Plettenberg Bay’s beaches
Why It’s Mind-Blowing:
This journey offers a rich blend of biodiversity, culture, and adventure, from bungee jumping at Bloukrans Bridge to hiking through forested trails beside the sea.
5. Amalfi Coast Drive (Italy)
Distance: ~31 miles
Best Time to Go: May to October
Though short, the SS163 highway that winds along the Amalfi Coast is one of the most romantic and scenic drives in Europe.
Highlights:
- Positano’s colorful cliffside homes
- Ravello’s terraces
- Amalfi’s medieval charm
- Limoncello tasting in Sorrento
Why It’s Mind-Blowing:
With cliffside roads, azure waters, and Italian coastal towns, every curve offers a postcard-perfect view. It’s a feast for the eyes and the soul.
6. Atlantic Ocean Road (Norway)
Distance: ~5 miles (but part of a longer route)
Best Time to Go: May to September
This short yet spectacular road in Møre og Romsdal, Norway, connects islands via curved bridges that appear to leap over crashing waves.
Highlights:
- Storseisundet Bridge (the famous “jumping bridge”)
- Fishing villages
- Whale watching
- Northern Lights
Why It’s Mind-Blowing:
The road literally dances with the sea. It’s like something out of a sci-fi movie and provides one of the most dramatic drives on Earth.
7. Cabot Trail (Nova Scotia, Canada)
Distance: ~185 miles
Best Time to Go: September to October (Fall Foliage)
This loop through Cape Breton Island is famed for its sweeping coastal cliffs, mountain vistas, and Celtic culture.
Highlights:
- Cape Breton Highlands National Park
- Skyline Trail hike
- Whale watching in Pleasant Bay
- Celtic music in Cheticamp
Why It’s Mind-Blowing:
Fall turns this route into a kaleidoscope of colors, with reds, oranges, and golds painting the landscape. It’s a dream for photographers and nature lovers alike.
8. Leh-Manali Highway (India)
Distance: ~300 miles
Best Time to Go: June to September
High-altitude and breathtaking, this road connects Leh in Ladakh to Manali in Himachal Pradesh, winding through the Himalayas.
Highlights:
- Rohtang Pass & Tanglang La (high-altitude passes)
- Pangong Lake
- Monasteries and Tibetan culture
- Starry night skies
Why It’s Mind-Blowing:
At elevations above 13,000 feet, this route offers deserted valleys, snow walls, and monk-lined monasteries. It’s not just a drive—it’s a spiritual and physical journey.
9. Ruta 40 (Argentina)
Distance: ~3,100 miles
Best Time to Go: November to March
Running parallel to the Andes Mountains, Ruta 40 spans nearly the entire length of Argentina.
Highlights:
- Patagonia’s wild landscapes
- Mendoza’s wine region
- Glaciers and lakes in El Calafate
- Indigenous heritage in Salta
Why It’s Mind-Blowing:
It’s one of the longest and most diverse road trips in the world. From deserts to snow-capped peaks, you’ll experience the soul of South America.
10. North Coast 500 (Scotland)
Distance: ~516 miles
Best Time to Go: May to September
This loop around Scotland’s northern coast starts and ends in Inverness, passing through Highlands, castles, and rugged cliffs.
Highlights:
- Dunrobin Castle
- Loch Maree
- Beaches at Durness
- Isle of Skye detour
Why It’s Mind-Blowing:
With its wild beauty, foggy lochs, and ancient ruins, the NC500 offers an eerie, majestic experience that’s pure magic.
🌍 Bonus Mentions (Quick Picks):
- Route 66 (USA) – The classic Americana experience
- Wild Atlantic Way (Ireland) – Coastal cliffs and Irish charm
- Basque Coast (Spain/France) – Ocean meets mountain with a culinary twist
🚗 Road Trip Tips for an Unforgettable Journey
1. Plan Your Route—but Leave Room for Detours
Have a rough itinerary, but be flexible. Sometimes, the best spots aren’t marked on maps.
2. Safety First
- Check vehicle condition
- Carry a first-aid kit
- Save emergency contacts offline
3. Pack Smart
Include layers, especially if you’re traveling through varying climates. Don’t forget essentials like power banks, reusable bottles, and travel pillows.
4. Fuel & Budget
Fuel up often in remote areas. Keep cash handy for tolls and small towns.
5. Respect Nature & Culture
Don’t litter. Respect local customs. Support local businesses.
✨ Conclusion: Hit the Road and Feed Your Soul
These 10 scenic road trips are more than just drives—they’re transformative adventures. Whether you’re weaving through Iceland’s alien landscapes or cruising along California’s sunlit cliffs, every mile offers something extraordinary.
So grab your keys, playlist, and camera. Adventure is just one turn away.
👉 Which road trip will you take first? Let us know in the comments below and don’t forget to share this list with your travel crew!