There’s nothing quite like the thrill of the open road—winding through breathtaking landscapes, discovering hidden gems, and embracing the freedom of travel at your own pace. Whether you seek coastal beauty, rugged mountain adventures, or cultural treasures, now is the perfect time to embark on an unforgettable road trip. Here are some of the best road trips to take across the world.
1. Pacific Coast Highway, USA
Route: San Francisco, California to San Diego, California
One of the most iconic road trips in the world, the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) offers dramatic coastal views, charming beach towns, and world-class wineries. Start in San Francisco, drive through Big Sur’s rugged cliffs, stop in Santa Barbara’s vineyards, and end in the sunny beaches of San Diego.
Must-See Stops:
- Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
- Bixby Bridge & McWay Falls, Big Sur
- Hearst Castle, San Simeon
- Malibu’s beaches
2. The Garden Route, South Africa
Route: Cape Town to Port Elizabeth
For those who crave diversity in scenery and wildlife, South Africa’s Garden Route is an ideal choice. This stunning coastal drive showcases dramatic cliffs, lush forests, and exotic wildlife reserves. Explore charming towns like Knysna and Plettenberg Bay and take a safari detour at Addo Elephant National Park.
Must-See Stops:
- Table Mountain, Cape Town
- Bloukrans Bridge (for bungee jumping!)
- Knysna’s famous lagoon
- Tsitsikamma National Park
3. Amalfi Coast Drive, Italy
Route: Sorrento to Salerno
A romantic and picturesque drive, the Amalfi Coast is famous for its winding cliffside roads, colorful seaside villages, and delicious Italian cuisine. Although the roads are narrow and thrilling to navigate, the breathtaking scenery makes it worth every turn.
Must-See Stops:
- Positano’s pastel-colored homes
- Amalfi’s historic cathedral
- Ravello’s scenic gardens
- Limoncello tastings in Sorrento
4. Great Ocean Road, Australia
Route: Melbourne to Adelaide
This legendary Australian road trip follows the rugged coastline of Victoria, offering stunning ocean views, natural wonders, and abundant wildlife. You’ll drive past the famous Twelve Apostles, pristine beaches, and lush rainforests, with plenty of opportunities for surfing and hiking.
Must-See Stops:
- Bells Beach (a surfer’s paradise)
- The Twelve Apostles limestone stacks
- Otway Rainforest Walk
- The coastal town of Lorne
5. Ring Road, Iceland
Route: Reykjavik to Reykjavik (loop around the island)
Iceland’s Ring Road is a dream for adventure seekers, covering everything from volcanoes and glaciers to waterfalls and black sand beaches. Consider renting a campervan for the ultimate flexibility to chase the Northern Lights or soak in geothermal hot springs.
Must-See Stops:
- Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls
- Diamond Beach & Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
- Myvatn geothermal area
- The scenic East Fjords
6. Route 40, Argentina
Route: La Quiaca to Río Gallegos
One of the longest road trips in the world, Argentina’s Route 40 runs parallel to the Andes, offering stunning landscapes from arid deserts to glacial peaks. A perfect road trip for adventure lovers, it passes through vineyards, indigenous villages, and world-famous national parks.
Must-See Stops:
- Mendoza wine region
- Perito Moreno Glacier
- The mystical landscapes of Patagonia
- Quebrada de Humahuaca (UNESCO site)
7. The Scottish North Coast 500, Scotland
Route: Inverness to Inverness (loop)
Scotland’s answer to Route 66, the North Coast 500, is a breathtaking drive that takes you through castles, lochs, and some of Europe’s most rugged landscapes. With charming villages and plenty of whisky distilleries along the way, this route offers a perfect mix of history and adventure.
Must-See Stops:
- Eilean Donan Castle
- The beaches of Durness
- Bealach na Bà (Scotland’s most scenic road)
- Glenmorangie Whisky Distillery
8. The Silk Road, Central Asia
Route: China to Turkey (via Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Iran)
For those looking for a cultural and historic journey, traveling the Silk Road by car is an incredible experience. This route takes you through ancient trade routes, mesmerizing deserts, and stunning mosques, all while exploring multiple countries with unique traditions.
Must-See Stops:
- The Terracotta Army, China
- Samarkand’s Registan Square, Uzbekistan
- The Caspian Sea coastline, Kazakhstan
- Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, Turkey
Final Thoughts
A great road trip isn’t just about the destination—it’s about the experience, the landscapes, and the memories made along the way. Whether you’re after dramatic coastlines, vast deserts, or cultural gems, these epic road trips will make for an unforgettable adventure. So, pack your bags, fuel up, and hit the open road!