The Most Scenic Road Trips Around the World

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The Most Scenic Road Trips Around the World

Few experiences compare to the freedom of hitting the open road and witnessing breathtaking landscapes unfold before your eyes. From coastal routes to mountain passes, these scenic road trips offer stunning vistas and unforgettable adventures.

1. Pacific Coast Highway (California, USA)

  • Highlights: Stretching from San Francisco to Los Angeles, this iconic route hugs the rugged coastline of California.
  • Must-See Stops: Big Sur, Monterey, Hearst Castle, and the charming town of Carmel-by-the-Sea.
  • Best Time to Visit: Spring or fall for mild weather and fewer tourists.

2. Ring Road (Iceland)

  • Highlights: This 1,332 km loop around Iceland offers dramatic landscapes, including waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches, and volcanic craters.
  • Must-See Stops: Seljalandsfoss waterfall, Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, and Lake Mývatn.
  • Best Time to Visit: Summer (May to September) for clear roads and long daylight hours.

3. Great Ocean Road (Victoria, Australia)

  • Highlights: Famous for its stunning coastal views and the iconic Twelve Apostles rock formations, this 243 km drive is a must for nature lovers.
  • Must-See Stops: Loch Ard Gorge, the Otway Rainforest, and Bells Beach.
  • Best Time to Visit: November to March for warm weather and clear skies.

4. Amalfi Coast Drive (Italy)

  • Highlights: Winding through cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean, this route offers a mix of charming villages, azure waters, and dramatic landscapes.
  • Must-See Stops: Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi.
  • Best Time to Visit: Late spring or early autumn for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

5. Garden Route (South Africa)

  • Highlights: Spanning 300 km along South Africa’s southern coast, this drive features lush forests, sandy beaches, and picturesque towns.
  • Must-See Stops: Knysna, Tsitsikamma National Park, and Plettenberg Bay.
  • Best Time to Visit: Spring (September to November) for blooming flowers and temperate weather.

6. North Coast 500 (Scotland, UK)

  • Highlights: Often called Scotland’s answer to Route 66, this 830 km route takes you through rugged highlands, castles, and coastal cliffs.
  • Must-See Stops: Bealach na Bà pass, Dunrobin Castle, and Durness beaches.
  • Best Time to Visit: May to September for mild weather and stunning greenery.

7. Route 40 (Argentina)

  • Highlights: Stretching over 5,000 km along the Andes, this epic road trip showcases deserts, glaciers, and some of Argentina’s most dramatic scenery.
  • Must-See Stops: Los Glaciares National Park, Mendoza’s vineyards, and the Salinas Grandes salt flats.
  • Best Time to Visit: Spring (October to December) or autumn (March to May).

8. Atlantic Road (Norway)

  • Highlights: This 8 km stretch is short but breathtaking, connecting islands via bridges that appear to float on the ocean.
  • Must-See Stops: Storseisundet Bridge and the fishing village of Bud.
  • Best Time to Visit: Summer (June to August) for calmer seas and clear skies.

9. Silk Road (Central Asia)

  • Highlights: A historic route spanning thousands of kilometers through deserts, mountains, and ancient cities.
  • Must-See Stops: Samarkand (Uzbekistan), Kashgar (China), and the Pamir Highway.
  • Best Time to Visit: Spring or autumn for comfortable temperatures.

10. Route des Grandes Alpes (France)

  • Highlights: This high-altitude route through the French Alps features dramatic mountain passes, charming villages, and pristine lakes.
  • Must-See Stops: Lake Annecy, Col de la Bonette, and Chamonix.
  • Best Time to Visit: Summer (June to September) when the passes are open.

11. Cabot Trail (Nova Scotia, Canada)

  • Highlights: This 298 km loop on Cape Breton Island offers coastal cliffs, dense forests, and rich cultural history.
  • Must-See Stops: Skyline Trail, Ingonish Beach, and the Acadian communities.
  • Best Time to Visit: Fall (September to October) for vibrant foliage.

12. Skeleton Coast (Namibia)

  • Highlights: One of Africa’s most remote and eerie drives, featuring windswept dunes, shipwrecks, and vast desert landscapes.
  • Must-See Stops: Cape Cross Seal Reserve and the ghost town of Kolmanskop.
  • Best Time to Visit: Winter (May to October) for cooler temperatures.

13. Wild Atlantic Way (Ireland)

  • Highlights: Spanning 2,500 km along Ireland’s western coastline, this route features rugged cliffs, quaint villages, and dramatic ocean views.
  • Must-See Stops: Cliffs of Moher, Dingle Peninsula, and Galway.
  • Best Time to Visit: Summer (June to August) for long days and lively festivals.

14. Red Centre Way (Australia)

  • Highlights: A journey into Australia’s Outback, featuring iconic landmarks like Uluru and Kings Canyon.
  • Must-See Stops: Kata Tjuta, MacDonnell Ranges, and Alice Springs.
  • Best Time to Visit: Winter (May to September) for cooler, more comfortable weather.

Tips for Scenic Road Trips

  • Plan Your Route: Research stops, fuel stations, and accommodations in advance, especially for remote areas.
  • Pack Smart: Include snacks, water, maps, and emergency supplies.
  • Stay Flexible: Allow time for unexpected detours and spontaneous discoveries.
  • Respect Nature: Follow Leave No Trace principles to protect the environment.

Embarking on a scenic road trip is more than just a journey; it’s an adventure filled with incredible views, cultural discoveries, and memories that will last a lifetime. Which route will you take next?

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