There’s something magical about hitting the open road, with breathtaking landscapes unfolding before you.
Road trips are about the journey, surprises, and pull-over moments. The world offers dreamlike drives from coastlines to mountains.
We’ve curated 15 stunning routes, including five North American gems with diverse terrains. Whether solo, family, or romantic, these promise unforgettable views.
⬇️ Buckle up for some of the most beautiful roads you’ve ever seen! ⬇️
1. Pacific Coast Highway, California, USA (North America)
Stretching along California’s rugged coastline, the Pacific Coast Highway (also known as Highway 1) is a quintessential American road trip that’s as iconic as it is beautiful.
This 655-mile route from Dana Point in the south to Leggett in the north hugs the Pacific Ocean, offering dramatic cliffs, crashing waves, and glimpses of marine life like seals and whales.
Highlights
Highlights include the dramatic Bixby Creek Bridge, the artsy town of Big Sur with its redwood groves, and the elephant seal rookery at Piedras Blancas.
What makes it so captivating? The ever-changing scenery, from foggy mornings over misty beaches to golden sunsets painting the sea, feels like nature’s own light show.
Tips:
- Drive south to north for the best ocean views on your right, and plan for at least 3-5 days to avoid rushing.
- Watch for landslides in rainy seasons, and stop at Hearst Castle for a dose of opulent eccentricity.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, detour into the wine country of Paso Robles for a tasting break.
Did You Know? 👉 Parts of this road were built by convicts in the 1930s, adding a layer of gritty history to the glamour.
2. Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana, USA (North America)
In the heart of Glacier National Park, the Going-to-the-Sun Road is a 50-mile engineering marvel that crosses the Continental Divide, delivering alpine vistas that will leave you speechless.
Carved into sheer rock faces in the 1930s, this narrow, winding path climbs to Logan Pass at 6,646 feet, where wildflowers bloom in summer and mountain goats roam freely.
Highlights
Highlights include the Weeping Wall (a waterfall that sprays your car), Bird Woman Falls, and the turquoise waters of Lake McDonald.
Its beauty lies in the raw wilderness—towering peaks, glaciers, and valleys that shift from lush green to stark white depending on the season.
You Should Know…
- The park is only open from late June to early October due to snow, so time your visit accordingly.
- Vehicle length is limited to 21 feet; rent a compact car or join a shuttle.
- Hike the Highline Trail from Logan Pass for even more epic panoramas, but watch for grizzlies!
Fun fact 👉 The road’s name comes from a Blackfeet legend about a deity who taught the tribe hunting skills before ascending to the sun.
3. Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina, USA
Dubbed “America’s Favorite Drive,” the Blue Ridge Parkway meanders 469 miles through the Appalachian Mountains, connecting Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
This leisurely route is all about rolling hills blanketed in wildflowers, misty blue ridges, and autumn foliage that explodes in fiery reds and oranges.
Highlights
Key stops include the Linn Cove Viaduct (an engineering wonder that hugs the mountainside), Mabry Mill (a historic gristmill), and overlooks like Craggy Gardens for rhododendron blooms.
The charm? It’s a slow-paced escape from highways, with no commercial vehicles allowed, fostering a sense of timeless tranquility.
Tips:
- Fall is peak season for leaf-peeping, but spring brings blooming dogwoods.
- Camp at one of the many sites along the way, and pack a picnic… There are over 200 overlooks perfect for it.
- The speed limit is 45 mph, so embrace the meander.
Did you know? 👉 Construction began during the Great Depression as a jobs program, and it’s now the most visited unit in the U.S. National Park System.
4. Icefields Parkway, Alberta, Canada
Linking Banff and Jasper National Parks, the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) is a 144-mile ribbon of asphalt through the Canadian Rockies, often hailed as one of the world’s most scenic drives.
Flanked by over 100 ancient glaciers, turquoise lakes, and jagged peaks, it’s a front-row seat to nature’s grandeur.
Highlights
Must-sees include Peyto Lake (shaped like a wolf’s head), the Columbia Icefield (where you can walk on a glacier via the Athabasca Glacier tour), and thundering Athabasca Falls.
The beauty is in the contrasts: pristine wilderness meets accessible adventure, with wildlife like elk and bears often spotted roadside.
Know Before You Go
- Allow 3-4 days to explore, staying in Lake Louise or Jasper.
- Fill up on gas before starting; services are sparse.
- In winter, it’s snowy and avalanche-prone, so summer is ideal, but book Icefield tours early.
Fun fact 👉 The parkway parallels the Continental Divide, meaning rain on one side flows to the Atlantic and the other to the Pacific.
5. Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia, Canada
Encircling the northern tip of Cape Breton Island, the 185-mile Cabot Trail is a loop of coastal cliffs, lush highlands, and Acadian forests that feels like Scotland meets the sea.
Part of Cape Breton Highlands National Park, it offers panoramic ocean views, whale-watching opportunities, and hiking trails like the Skyline Trail for moose sightings.
Highlights
Highlights include the Look-Offs (pullouts with sweeping vistas), French Mountain’s hairpin turns, and charming villages like Cheticamp for fresh lobster.
Its allure? The dramatic elevation changes and the way the road dances between mountains and Atlantic waves, especially in fall when leaves turn vibrant.
Tips:
- Drive clockwise for safer cliff-side views, and allocate 2-3 days.
- September-October avoids summer crowds but catches peak fall foliage.
- Bring binoculars for eagles and whales, and try a ceilidh (Gaelic party) in a local pub.
Did you know? 👉 Named after explorer John Cabot, who landed nearby in 1497, it’s also a hotspot for Celtic music festivals.
6. Chapman’s Peak Drive, South Africa
Just south of Cape Town, Chapman’s Peak Drive is a 5.5-mile toll road etched into sheer cliffs overlooking the Atlantic, often called “Chappies” by locals.
This engineering feat features 114 curves, tunnels, and viewpoints where waves crash below and fynbos (unique shrubland) blooms above.
Highlights
Highlights include the picnic spots with panoramic sea views and the chance to spot southern right whales in season.
What sets it apart? The raw, untamed beauty of the Cape Peninsula, blending ocean drama with mountain majesty—it’s like driving through a postcard.
Tips:
- Pay the small toll (about $3), drive at sunset for golden light, and combine with a visit to Cape Point.
- Avoid windy days when rocks might tumble, and hike the nearby trails for extra thrills.
Fun fact 👉 Built in 1915-1922 using convict labor, it was closed for years due to rockfalls but reopened in 2003 with safety nets.
7. Great Ocean Road, Australia
Australia’s Great Ocean Road winds 150 miles along the southeastern coast from Torquay to Allansford, showcasing shipwreck-strewn shores, rainforests, and iconic rock formations.
Highlights
Built by WWI soldiers as a memorial, it’s famed for the Twelve Apostles—limestone stacks rising from the sea like ancient sentinels.
Other gems: Loch Ard Gorge (site of a dramatic 1878 shipwreck), London Arch, and koala spotting in eucalyptus groves at Kennett River.
The beauty? Constant coastal contrasts, from pounding surf to serene bays, with wildlife adding whimsy.
Tips:
- Take 2-3 days, basing in Apollo Bay.
- Drive left-side (Australian rules), watch for kangaroos at dusk (jumping deer), and helicopter over the Apostles for aerial wow-factor.
- Best in summer (December-February) for beach stops.
Did you know? 👉 It’s the world’s largest war memorial, honoring over 3,000 returned servicemen who constructed it.
8. Amalfi Coast Drive, Italy
The SS163 Amalfi Drive snakes 30 miles along Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula, connecting Positano to Vietri sul Mare with vertigo-inducing cliffs, lemon groves, and pastel villages clinging to hillsides.
UNESCO-listed, it’s a feast for the senses: azure Tyrrhenian Sea below, terraced vineyards above, and the scent of citrus in the air.
Highlights
Standouts include the emerald grotto in Conca dei Marini, Ravello’s gardens, and Amalfi’s medieval cathedral.
Its charm? The romantic, sun-drenched Mediterranean vibe that inspired artists and lovers alike. 3
Tips:
- Rent a small car or scooter, drive off-peak to avoid traffic, and stay in Positano for cliffside sunsets.
- Spring or fall beats summer crowds; sample limoncello and hike the Path of the Gods.
Fun fact 👉 Featured in films like “The Talented Mr. Ripley,” it’s notoriously narrow; buses and cars play chicken on blind curves.
9. Atlantic Road, Norway
Norway’s Atlantic Road (Atlanterhavsvegen) is a short but spectacular 5-mile stretch in Møre og Romsdal county, leaping across islands via eight bridges over the wild Norwegian Sea.
Known for its dramatic waves crashing against the structures during storms, it offers views of fjords, seabirds, and distant mountains.
Highlights:
The curved Storseisundet Bridge (looks like it drops into the ocean) and fishing spots along the way.
Beauty in brevity, the raw power of nature meets modern design, especially under the Northern Lights or the midnight sun.
Tips:
- Combine with a Trollstigen detour, visit in summer for calm seas or autumn for storms (if daring).
- If you’re feeling brave, you can cycle it for immersion and stop at Eldhusøya for a walkway over the waves.
Fun fact 👉 Opened in 1989 after six years of construction battling hurricanes, it’s voted Norway’s “construction of the century.”
10. Romantic Road, Germany
Winding 220 miles from Würzburg to Füssen in Bavaria, Germany’s Romantic Road (Romantische Straße) is a fairy-tale journey through medieval towns, castles, and vineyards.
Highlights
Inspired by 19th-century romantics, it features Rothenburg ob der Tauber (a walled gem), Neuschwanstein Castle (Disney’s inspiration), and the baroque Wieskirche church.
The appeal? Timeless charm blending history with pastoral landscapes—think half-timbered houses and rolling hills.
Tips:
- Allow 4-5 days, cycling parts for intimacy.
- Autumn for wine festivals, winter for Christmas markets.
- Stay in historic inns and try schnitzel… It’s as authentic as it gets.
Did you know? 👉 Neuschwanstein was built by “Mad” King Ludwig II, who bankrupted himself on castles; it’s now Germany’s most visited site.
11. Ring Road, Iceland
Iceland’s Route 1, or Ring Road, circles the island for 828 miles, encircling volcanoes, glaciers, hot springs, and black-sand beaches in a loop of otherworldly beauty.
From Reykjavik, hit the Golden Circle (Geysir, Gullfoss), then east to Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and north to Akureyri’s fjords.
Highlights
What captivates? The stark, elemental landscapes—lava fields, ice caps, and auroras—that feel like another planet.
Tips:
- 7-10 days minimum, rent a 4×4 for gravel detours.
- Summer for 24-hour daylight, winter for northern lights—but check weather apps for storms.
- Soak in natural hot pots along the way.
Did you know? 👉 Iceland has more sheep than people, and you’ll dodge them on the road; it’s also where “Game of Thrones” filmed beyond-the-wall scenes.
12. Transfagarasan Highway, Romania
Dubbed the “best road in the world” by Top Gear, Romania’s Transfagarasan Highway (DN7C) twists 56 miles through the Carpathian Mountains, peaking at 6,699 feet with hairpin turns and tunnels.
Highlights
Built in the 1970s as a military route, it features Lake Balea, Poenari Castle (Dracula’s real lair), and Vidraru Dam.
Beauty in the drama: Steep drops, alpine meadows, and bear sightings add adrenaline.
Know Before You Go…
- Open June-October, drive cautiously on curves.
- Base in Sibiu, hike to waterfalls, and visit Bran Castle for vampire lore.
- Electric bikes are gaining popularity here.
Fun fact 👉 Dictator Ceaușescu ordered it built in four years using dynamite and soldiers—thousands died in the process.
13. Stelvio Pass, Italy
In the Italian Alps, Stelvio Pass (Passo dello Stelvio) is Europe’s second-highest paved road at 9,045 feet, with 48 hairpin turns over 15 miles connecting Bormio to Prad.
Highlights
Famous among cyclists and motorists, it offers sweeping views of glaciers, valleys, and the Ortler massif.
The thrill? Conquering the switchbacks amid crisp mountain air… It’s a joy to drive.
Know Before You Go…
- Summer only (snow closes it otherwise), start early to beat tour buses.
- Stay in nearby spas, and if biking, train for the 5,000-foot climb—reward yourself with gelato at the top.
Fun fact 👉 Featured in the Giro d’Italia race, it’s also where Ferrari tests cars; the pass inspired the company’s prancing horse logo indirectly through history.
14. Garden Route, South Africa
South Africa’s Garden Route spans 186 miles from Mossel Bay to Storms River, blending coastal beaches, indigenous forests, and lagoons in a biodiversity hotspot.
Drive through Tsitsikamma National Park for suspension bridges over gorges, Knysna for oyster farms, and Plettenberg Bay for dolphin watching.
It’s magic? Diverse ecosystems in a compact area, whales offshore, elephants inland, making every mile varied.
Highlights
Bungee from Bloukrans Bridge (world’s highest), safari in Addo Elephant Park, and taste wines in Stellenbosch extensions.
Tips
Allow 4-5 days, go in spring for wildflowers.
Fun fact 👉 The route’s name comes from its lush, garden-like vegetation, fed by year-round rain; it’s home to the world’s smallest antelope, the blue duiker.
15. Furka Pass, Switzerland
Crossing the Swiss Alps at 7,969 feet, Furka Pass is a 19-mile thrill from Andermatt to Gletsch, part of the “Three Passes” route with Grimsel and Susten.
Highlights
Views include the Rhone Glacier (source of the Rhone River), alpine lakes, and wildflower meadows.
Beauty in precision: Swiss engineering meets pristine nature, with trains chugging below on the Furka Cogwheel Steam Railway.
Tips:
- Summer access, combine with a glacier cave tour.
- Hike for ibex sightings, stay in chalets, and ride the vintage train for a nostalgic twist.
Fun fact ➡️ James Bond chased villains here in “Goldfinger”—the hairpin turns made for epic cinema.
These 15 drives aren’t just routes; they’re invitations to adventure, reflection, and awe. Whether cruising North America’s vast wilderness or navigating Europe’s twists, each offers a unique slice of our planet’s splendor.
So, grab your keys, playlist, and sense of wonder— the road awaits. Safe travels!