Why Long Drive Destinations Are Perfect for Modern Travelers Long drives have become one of the most popular forms of travel today. Rather than rushing through airports or squeezing into crowded buses, travellers are increasingly choosing to hit the road with friends, family, or partners and simply enjoy the journey. Long drives offer something unique: the freedom to explore at your own pace, stop wherever a scenic viewpoint appears, and enjoy natural beauty without strict schedules.
- What Makes a Destination Good for a Long Drive?
- Best Long Drive Destinations in North America
- Best Long Drive Destinations in Europe
- Best Long Drive Destinations in Asia
- Best Long Drive Destinations in Australia & New Zealand
- Long Drive Destinations Based on Travel Themes
- Tips for Planning a Smooth Long Drive
- Best Time of Year for Long Drives
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Final Thoughts
Modern travellers appreciate that long drives can be both short weekend escapes or one-day refreshers, making them perfect for those who cannot take long vacations. They also cater to different interests—some prefer coastal drives, others choose forest routes, mountain passes, countryside highways, or heritage trails. Whether you’re driving solo, on a date, with your family, or with your adventure group, long drives are one of the most affordable and enriching ways to reset your mind.
What Makes a Destination Good for a Long Drive?
Not every place qualifies as a good long drive destination. Several factors determine whether a route is enjoyable, scenic, and practical for travellers.
Distance Suitability
The ideal long drive destination falls within:
- 100 – 400 km one-way for weekend trips
- 40 – 120 km for short half-day drives
This allows for comfortable driving without exhaustion.
Road Quality & Safety
Good road conditions, minimal potholes, clear signage, and availability of petrol stations make a route enjoyable.
Scenic Value
Scenery matters. Travellers often seek:
- Coastal views
- Countryside landscapes
- Lakes and rivers
- Forests and hills
- Heritage towns
Food & Stopovers
Good roadside cafes, highway dhabas, viewpoints, and restrooms enhance the experience.
Weather Conditions
Climate can play a major role:
- Fog may reduce visibility
- Rain may increase landslide risk in mountains
- Heat may stress the vehicle and travellers
Good seasons vary depending on the region.
A great long drive destination checks most of these boxes, making the journey as exciting as the destination.
Best Long Drive Destinations in North America
North America is famous for road culture, offering diverse landscapes such as coastal highways, national parks, canyons, and mountain routes.
Pacific Coast Drive (California, USA)
For those based in Los Angeles or San Francisco, a weekend long drive along the Pacific Coast Highway is a must. The route features dramatic ocean cliffs, beach towns, and small coastal villages.
Ideal stops:
- Malibu
- Santa Monica
- Big Sur
- Monterey
- Carmel-by-the-Sea
The ocean views during sunrise and sunset are spectacular, and there are plenty of cafes and viewpoints along the road.
Banff to Lake Louise (Alberta, Canada)
This short long drive is one of the most scenic alpine routes in Canada. Snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes, and wildlife sightings make this journey satisfying even though it’s less than 60 km one-way.
Best experiences:
- Moraine Lake
- Lake Louise viewpoint
- Bow Valley Parkway
- Gondola rides
Autumn foliage makes the route even more magical.
New Hampshire | Kancamagus Highway (USA)
During fall, the Kancamagus Highway transforms into a corridor of fiery red, orange, and golden leaves. It’s considered one of the best foliage drives in the United States.
Best time: September to October for fall colours
Best Long Drive Destinations in Europe
From coastal towns to wine trails and medieval villages, Europe is packed with weekend-friendly long drive routes.
Amalfi Coast to Sorrento (Italy)
A short but breathtaking drive along the Amalfi Coast offers terraces, beaches, and scenic cliff views. Perfect for a romantic getaway or photography trip.
Best for: Couples, photographers, slow travel lovers
Lake District Drives (England)
The English Lake District offers peaceful countryside roads ideal for weekend drives. The region features lakes, forests, and charming stone-built villages.
Popular spots:
- Windermere
- Ullswater
- Keswick
- Grasmere
The region is stunning year-round, with spring and autumn being particularly beautiful.
Wine Route of Alsace (France)
The Alsace Wine Route is a dream drive for those who enjoy vineyards, colourful villages, and local cuisine. It stretches from Strasbourg to Colmar and includes picturesque medieval towns.
Best Long Drive Destinations in Asia
Asia offers a rich variety of long drive experiences—from tropical coasts to high-altitude mountains.
Mumbai to Lonavala (India)
A classic weekend long drive, the Mumbai-Lonavala route is especially scenic during monsoon, when waterfalls, lush greenery, and misty hills dominate the landscape.
Distance: ~83 km one-way
Best time: June to September (monsoon) and November to February (winter)
Travellers often stop at Tiger Point, Khandala Ghat, and cafes along the old Mumbai-Pune highway.
Delhi to Neemrana (India)
For Delhi residents, Neemrana is a culturally rich weekend escape featuring forts and heritage hotels.
Distance: ~120 km one-way
Highlights: Neemrana Fort Palace, zip-lining, village walks
Tokyo to Hakone (Japan)
Hakone is a favourite weekend long drive for Tokyo residents. The route features lakes, forests, hot springs, and views of Mount Fuji on clear days.
Recommended stops:
- Lake Ashi
- Hakone Shrine
- Owakudani valley
Autumn and spring offer perfect weather for scenic driving.
Dubai to Hatta (UAE)
A desert and mountain combo drive, Dubai to Hatta is perfect for adventure lovers. The route includes desert highways transitioning into rocky mountain landscapes near the Oman border.
Activities: kayaking, hiking, heritage village visits
Best Long Drive Destinations in Australia & New Zealand
Australia and New Zealand are ideal for scenic drives due to low traffic, diverse landscapes, and plenty of national parks.
Melbourne to Great Ocean Road (Australia)
One of the most iconic coastal drives in the world, this is perfect for weekend long drives.
Top highlights:
- 12 Apostles
- Loch Ard Gorge
- Port Campbell
- Apollo Bay
Drivers enjoy ocean views, wildlife sightings, and coastal rainforests.
Auckland to Coromandel (New Zealand)
The Coromandel Peninsula offers pristine beaches, forest roads, and coastal cliffs.
Popular stops:
- Cathedral Cove
- Hot Water Beach
- Coromandel Town
Summer is the peak season, but autumn offers peaceful roads and mild weather.
Long Drive Destinations Based on Travel Themes
Every traveller has different interests, so here are destination ideas based on travel styles.
Coastal Long Drive Destinations
If you love ocean views, beaches, and seafood, coastal routes are perfect.
Examples:
- Goa coastal routes (India)
- Algarve coastal drive (Portugal)
- California Pacific Coast (USA)
- Great Ocean Road (Australia)
- Garden Route (South Africa)
Best seasons: Spring, summer, and early autumn.
Mountain & Hill Long Drive Destinations
Ideal for cool weather, scenic valleys, and trekking options.
Examples:
- Manali to Solang Valley (India)
- Chamonix to Mont Blanc (France)
- Banff to Yoho (Canada)
- Hakone mountain roads (Japan)
Morning starts are recommended for safety and clear weather.
Forest & Countryside Long Drive Destinations
Suitable for peaceful weekends away from city crowds.
Examples:
- Lake District (UK)
- Tuscany countryside (Italy)
- Coorg coffee region (India)
- Blue Ridge Parkway forests (USA)
Desert Long Drive Destinations
Dramatic landscapes and starry skies await desert travellers.
Examples:
- Dubai to Hatta (UAE)
- Phoenix to Sedona (USA)
- Jaisalmer sandstone drives (India)
- Wadi Rum to Aqaba (Jordan)
Desert drives should ideally be taken in winter months.
Tips for Planning a Smooth Long Drive
Even short long drives benefit from basic planning.
Vehicle Preparation
- Check tyre pressure & spare tyre
- Inspect engine oil & brake fluid
- Carry jumper cables & toolkit
- Clean windshield for optimal visibility
Packing Checklist
- Drinking water
- Snacks or fruits
- First-aid kit
- Sunglasses & sunscreen
- Phone chargers/power banks
- Offline maps
Break & Safety Tips
- Avoid driving while drowsy
- Take breaks every 2–3 hours
- Keep emergency contacts accessible
- Maintain speed limits
Food & Fuel Planning
Do not rely only on the destination—plan meal stops and fuel stations to avoid situations where options are limited or crowded.
Best Time of Year for Long Drives
Choosing the right season maximises enjoyment:
- Spring: Flowers, mild weather, scenic countryside
- Summer: Beach drives, festivals, longer daylight
- Autumn: Foliage roads, vineyards, cool temperatures
- Winter: Desert and coastal routes become ideal
Research regional conditions before planning—for example, monsoons affect hill routes in India, while snow affects mountain routes in Europe and Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How far should a long drive destination be?
Most good long drives are between 80–400 km one-way, depending on time and comfort.
Q2: What car is best for long drives?
A fuel-efficient sedan is ideal for highways; SUVs are better for hills and forest roads; EVs work well in regions with reliable charging networks.
Q3: Are long drives safe at night?
Night driving should be avoided on unfamiliar or wildlife-heavy routes. Daytime ensures better visibility and safety.
Q4: Can long drives be done solo?
Yes, solo long drives are becoming popular. Just inform someone about your route and carry essential supplies.
Q5: Do long drives need prior booking?
If planning overnight stays, weekend bookings are recommended, especially in high-tourism zones.
Final Thoughts
Long drive destinations provide the perfect balance of nature, relaxation, exploration, and adventure. They’re accessible, customizable, and ideal for refreshing the mind without requiring long travel durations. Whether you’re cruising along the coast, climbing into mountains, or discovering village roads, long drives prove that sometimes the best destinations are just a few hours away. With a little planning, the right vehicle, and the right company, every long drive can become a cherished memory.
