Top 10 Most Scenic Road Trips
Embarking on a road trip is one of the best ways to experience the beauty of nature and diverse landscapes. The top 10 most scenic road trips offer breathtaking views, charming towns, and unforgettable stops that make every mile worth it. From coastal highways to mountain passes, these routes promise adventure and stunning vistas.
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Among the most iconic road trips is the Pacific Coast Highway in California, where travelers can enjoy dramatic cliffs, the Pacific Ocean's azure waters, and picturesque towns like Carmel and Big Sur. The Blue Ridge Parkway, stretching through the Appalachian Mountains, showcases vibrant fall foliage and panoramic views. For a taste of the Southwest, Route 66 takes you through historic sites and quirky roadside attractions. The Ring Road in Iceland offers a unique journey around the island, featuring waterfalls, glaciers, and volcanic landscapes. Other notable routes include the Garden Route in South Africa, the Great Ocean Road in Australia, and the Cabot Trail in Canada. Each of these scenic drives provides an opportunity to connect with nature and explore the rich culture of the regions they traverse, making them a must for any road trip enthusiast.
Pacific Coast HighwayView AllPacific Coast Highway - Scenic coastal road in California with stunning ocean views.
Ring Road (Iceland)View AllRing Road (Iceland) - Circular road around Iceland, connecting major cities and attractions.
Great Ocean RoadView AllGreat Ocean Road - Scenic coastal drive in Victoria, Australia.
Blue Ridge ParkwayView AllBlue Ridge Parkway - Scenic road through Appalachian Mountains with breathtaking views.
Amalfi Coast DriveView AllAmalfi Coast Drive - Scenic coastal road with breathtaking views and charming towns.
Garden RouteView AllGarden Route - Scenic coastal drive in South Africa, featuring diverse landscapes.
Route 66View AllRoute 66 - Historic highway stretching from Chicago to Los Angeles.
Cabot TrailView AllCabot Trail - Scenic coastal drive in Nova Scotia, Canada.
Transfagarasan HighwayView AllTransfagarasan Highway - Scenic mountain road in Romania, breathtaking views.
The Alcan HighwayView AllThe Alcan Highway - Scenic route connecting Alaska and Canada, historic military road.
Top 10 Most Scenic Road Trips
1.
Pacific Coast Highway
The Pacific Coast Highway, also known as Highway 1, is a scenic and iconic road that runs along the coast of California. Stretching for over 600 miles, it offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, rugged cliffs, and pristine beaches. The highway passes through charming coastal towns, including Malibu, Santa Barbara, and Big Sur, and offers access to popular landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge and the Hearst Castle. It is a popular route for road trips and is known for its stunning natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, surfing, and whale watching.
Pros
Stunning ocean views- scenic drive
- access to beautiful beaches.
Cons
Heavy traffic- risk of landslides
- limited parking.
2.
Ring Road (Iceland)
The Ring Road in Iceland, also known as Route 1, is a 1,332-kilometer road that encircles the entire island, connecting many of the country's most popular attractions and natural wonders. The road offers stunning views of Iceland's diverse landscapes, including volcanic fields, glaciers, waterfalls, and coastal cliffs. It passes through charming towns and villages, providing access to numerous hiking trails, hot springs, and other outdoor activities. Traveling the Ring Road is a popular way for visitors to experience the beauty and diversity of Iceland's natural environment.
Pros
- Efficient way to travel around Iceland
- connects major cities and attractions.
Cons
- Can be crowded
- limited passing opportunities
- weather-dependent.
3.
Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is a 151-mile stretch of road along the southeastern coast of Australia, known for its stunning coastal scenery and natural landmarks. It offers breathtaking views of the ocean, cliffs, and rock formations, including the iconic Twelve Apostles rock formations. The road was built by returned soldiers between 1919 and 1932 and is considered one of the world's most scenic coastal drives. It is a popular tourist destination, offering opportunities for surfing, beachcombing, and wildlife spotting, as well as access to national parks and hiking trails.
Pros
- Stunning coastal views
- natural rock formations
- diverse wildlife.
Cons
- Crowded during peak season
- narrow and winding roads
- potential for accidents.
4.
Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic road that stretches for 469 miles through the Appalachian Mountains, connecting the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. Known for its breathtaking views, the parkway offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, biking, and picnicking. The route is also popular for its vibrant fall foliage and diverse wildlife. In addition to its natural beauty, the Blue Ridge Parkway is home to historic sites, cultural exhibits, and visitor centers that provide insight into the region's rich heritage.
Pros
- Stunning scenic views
- diverse wildlife
- access to hiking trails.
Cons
- Limited amenities
- can be crowded during peak seasons
- potential for dangerous driving conditions.
5.
Amalfi Coast Drive
The Amalfi Coast Drive, a breathtaking route along Italy’s stunning Amalfi Coast, is renowned for its dramatic cliffs, picturesque villages, and azure Mediterranean waters. Stretching approximately 50 kilometers from Sorrento to Salerno, this scenic drive offers panoramic views of charming towns like Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello, each boasting unique architecture and rich history. The winding roads are lined with vibrant bougainvillea, lemon groves, and stunning terraced vineyards. Travelers can enjoy delightful local cuisine, explore hidden beaches, and immerse themselves in the region's vibrant culture, making it an unforgettable experience for visitors.
Pros
- Stunning views
- charming towns
- rich culture.
Cons
- Narrow roads
- heavy traffic
- limited parking
- potential for motion sickness.
6.
Garden Route
The Garden Route is a picturesque stretch of coastline along South Africa's southern shores, renowned for its stunning landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and charming towns. Spanning roughly 300 kilometers between Mossel Bay and Storms River, this region features lush forests, sandy beaches, and dramatic cliffs. It is home to a variety of wildlife and offers numerous outdoor activities, including hiking, whale watching, and adventure sports. Key attractions include the Tsitsikamma National Park, Knysna Lagoon, and Plettenberg Bay. The Garden Route is a popular destination for both local and international travelers seeking natural beauty and adventure.
Pros
- Stunning scenery
- diverse wildlife
- outdoor activities.
Cons
- Tourist congestion
- high costs
- weather variability.
7.
Route 66
Route 66, also known as the Main Street of America, was one of the original highways in the U.S. Highway System. Stretching from Chicago to Los Angeles, this iconic road has been the subject of songs, movies, and countless road trips. Built in 1926, Route 66 was a major thoroughfare for travelers and migrants seeking a better life during the Dust Bowl and Great Depression. Although it was officially removed from the U.S. Highway System in 1985, many portions of the road still exist and attract tourists looking to experience a piece of American history.
Pros
- Iconic American road trip
- historic landmarks
- unique roadside attractions.
Cons
- Can be crowded
- sections are in disrepair
- limited services in some areas.
8.
Cabot Trail
The Cabot Trail is a scenic highway that winds through the stunning landscapes of Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Canada. This 185-mile loop offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, lush forests, and rugged cliffs. The trail is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography. Along the route, travelers will find charming fishing villages, cultural attractions, and opportunities to experience the unique Acadian and Mi'kmaq cultures. The Cabot Trail is considered one of the most scenic drives in the world, making it a must-see for visitors to Nova Scotia.
Pros
- Stunning scenery
- outdoor activities
- cultural experiences.
Cons
- Heavy tourist traffic
- limited facilities in some areas.
9.
Transfagarasan Highway
The Transfagarasan Highway, often hailed as one of the most scenic drives in the world, stretches 90 kilometers through the stunning Fagaras Mountains in Romania. Constructed in the 1970s as a strategic military route, it features breathtaking hairpin turns, steep inclines, and panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. The highway reaches an elevation of 2,042 meters at its highest point, making it a popular destination for tourists and driving enthusiasts alike. Along the route, visitors can explore the picturesque Balea Lake, the impressive Vidraru Dam, and the rich flora and fauna of the region.
Pros
- Stunning views
- thrilling drive
- unique engineering.
Cons
- Dangerous in winter
- narrow sections
- heavy tourist traffic.
10.
The Alcan Highway
The Alcan Highway, officially known as the Alaska Highway, is a vital route connecting Dawson Creek in British Columbia, Canada, to Delta Junction in Alaska, USA. Constructed during World War II to facilitate military movement and supply, the highway spans approximately 1,390 miles (2,237 kilometers) through diverse landscapes, including forests, mountains, and remote wilderness. Opened in 1948 for civilian use, it has since become a popular route for adventure travelers and tourists seeking to explore the stunning natural beauty of North America's far north. The highway offers breathtaking scenery, wildlife encounters, and a glimpse into the region's history.
Pros
- Scenic views
- adventure
- access to remote areas.
Cons
- Harsh weather
- limited services
- long travel times
- potential wildlife hazards.
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