Road trips are unique because they transform travel into a cinematic experience. Instead of speeding between places in a plane or train, you’re immersed in changing landscapes, small towns, viewpoints, and hidden gems that you would otherwise miss. For many travellers, scenic road trips represent freedom, adventure, and discovery. From coastal roads framed by turquoise waters to mountain passes cutting through epic peaks, scenic drives offer some of the most unforgettable travel experiences on Earth.
- Why Scenic Road Trips Are Worth Taking
- Top Scenic Road Trips in Europe
- Amalfi Coast Road Trip (Italy)
- Ring Road (Iceland)
- Grossglockner High Alpine Road (Austria)
- North Coast 500 (Scotland)
- Most Scenic Road Trips in North America
- Pacific Coast Highway (California, USA)
- Blue Ridge Parkway (USA)
- Icefields Parkway (Canada)
- Sea-to-Sky Highway (British Columbia, Canada)
- Most Scenic Road Trips in Asia
- Hokkaido Flower Route (Japan)
- Manali to Leh Highway (India)
- Ha Giang Loop (Vietnam)
- Scenic Road Trips in Australia & New Zealand
- Great Ocean Road (Australia)
- South Island Scenic Loop (New Zealand)
- Scenic Coastal Drives Worth Adding to Your Bucket List
- Mountain & Nature Scenic Drives
- Best Time to Take Scenic Road Trips
- Tips to Plan a Scenic Road Trip Smoothly
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Final Thoughts
In this guide, we explore the most scenic road trips across continents, highlighting routes that blend dramatic natural beauty, cultural touchpoints, historic routes, and breathtaking photography opportunities. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a multi-week journey, these scenic road trips deserve a spot on your travel bucket list.
Why Scenic Road Trips Are Worth Taking
Not all road trips are the same. Scenic routes add an extra layer of magic—views that stay with you long after the journey ends. These drives often include coastal cliffs, alpine roads, rainforests, deserts, wildlife corridors, and national parks packed into a few hundred kilometres.
Some key reasons scenic road trips stand out:
- You experience diverse landscapes from the comfort of your vehicle
- You control your own schedule—stop whenever a viewpoint calls your name
- Scenic routes often pass through small local villages and towns
- The journey becomes as memorable as the destination
- They provide amazing photography opportunities
- You can discover hidden or lesser-known attractions
- They offer accessible adventure for families, couples, and solo travellers
Scenic road trips are more than travel—they’re storytelling journeys.
Top Scenic Road Trips in Europe
Europe is a treasure trove of scenic roads. Compact geography means you can experience coastlines, vineyards, mountains, lakes, and medieval towns all in a single trip. These are some of Europe’s most cinematic road journeys.
Amalfi Coast Road Trip (Italy)
Few road trips in the world capture hearts like the Amalfi Coast. Stretching between Sorrento and Salerno, this UNESCO-listed route hugs steep cliffs overlooking the blue Mediterranean Sea. The colourful houses of coastal villages cling to the hillside, creating postcard views around every bend.
Highlights along the route include:
- Positano (famous for its beach and pastel village views)
- Amalfi Town (cathedral and lemon treats)
- Ravello (terraced gardens overlooking the sea)
- Fiordo di Furore (narrow fjord-like beach)
Best time to go: May to September
Tip: Roads are narrow and winding—travel early morning to avoid traffic.
Ring Road (Iceland)
Iceland’s Route 1, known as the Ring Road, circles the entire country and packs in surreal volcanic landscapes, glaciers, fjords, waterfalls, and black-sand beaches. The scenery feels otherworldly—like driving through a movie set.
Major attractions along the way:
- Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls
- Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon
- Reynisfjara black sand beach
- Lake Mývatn geothermal fields
- Vik’s dramatic seafront cliffs
Ideal duration: 7–10 days
Best season: June to September for safer weather conditions
Grossglockner High Alpine Road (Austria)
This 48-km route snakes through the Austrian Alps with hairpin turns, glacier views, and snow-capped mountain scenery. It connects Bruck in Salzburg to Heiligenblut in Carinthia.
Why it’s scenic:
- Austria’s highest peak (Grossglockner) can be seen directly
- Alpine meadows and waterfalls are visible throughout
- Wildlife sightings include marmots and ibex
Season: Open from May to October only, due to snow closures.
North Coast 500 (Scotland)
Scotland’s NC500 loops around the northern Highlands, showcasing rugged coastlines, moody lochs, dramatic cliffs, and medieval ruins.
Popular stops:
- Bealach na Bà pass
- Duncansby Stacks
- Smoo Cave
- John O’Groats
- Ullapool village
The NC500 is perfect for photographers, hikers, and wild campers.
Most Scenic Road Trips in North America
The United States and Canada are built for road trips, boasting vast national parks, deserts, canyons, mountains, forests, and coastal drives.
Pacific Coast Highway (California, USA)
Often rated as one of the most scenic drives in the world, Highway 1 runs along California’s coastline overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Scenic highlights include:
- Big Sur cliffs and Bixby Creek Bridge
- Monterey & Carmel-by-the-Sea
- Malibu beaches
- Santa Barbara wine region
Driving northbound offers better coastal views. Midweek travel helps avoid tourist traffic.
Blue Ridge Parkway (USA)
Connecting Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Parkway is famous for foliage and mountain lookouts.
Best time: October for autumn colours
Unique feature: Protected from commercial traffic, ensuring peaceful driving
Icefields Parkway (Canada)
Canada’s Icefields Parkway runs between Banff and Jasper and is considered one of the most scenic alpine highways in the world.
Key attractions:
- Peyto Lake
- Athabasca Glacier (Columbia Icefield)
- Bow Lake
- Sunwapta Falls
Turquoise lakes and glacier views make this drive surreal, especially in summer.
Sea-to-Sky Highway (British Columbia, Canada)
From Vancouver to Whistler, this route features ocean views, forested mountains, waterfalls, and Indigenous heritage sites.
Notable stops:
- Shannon Falls
- Squamish viewpoint
- Brandywine Falls
- Whistler village
Short but incredibly rewarding for nature enthusiasts.
Most Scenic Road Trips in Asia
Asia’s scenic roads vary dramatically—from tropical coasts to Himalayan mountain passes.
Hokkaido Flower Route (Japan)
Japan’s northern island is known for wide roads, flower fields, lakes, and volcanic landscapes.
Famous scenic spots include:
- Furano lavender farms
- Biei rolling hills
- Shikisai-no-Oka flower fields
- Lake Shikotsu
Summer (June–August) is peak bloom season, making the journey vibrant and colourful.
Manali to Leh Highway (India)
This high-altitude road trip passes through the Indian Himalayas with soaring peaks, dramatic valleys, monasteries, and crystal lakes.
Must-see locations:
- Rohtang Pass
- Baralacha La
- Gata Loops (hairpin turns)
- Nubra Valley
- Pangong Lake
This is not an easy drive—altitude, unpredictable weather, and rough terrain add challenge, but the reward is unmatched scenic beauty.
Ha Giang Loop (Vietnam)
The Ha Giang Loop winds through limestone mountains, rice terraces, and ethnic minority villages near the China border.
Why it’s famous:
- Jaw-dropping mountain passes
- Panoramic lookouts like Ma Pi Leng Pass
- Cultural immersion with local hill tribes
Most travellers rent motorbikes or hire drivers for 3–5 days.
Scenic Road Trips in Australia & New Zealand
These two countries are paradise for road trippers, known for pristine coasts, wildlife, rainforests, and fjords.
Great Ocean Road (Australia)
Australia’s most scenic coastal drive connects Torquay to Allansford in Victoria. It features rugged sea cliffs, rainforests, and iconic rock formations.
Major highlights:
- 12 Apostles
- Loch Ard Gorge
- London Arch
- Bells Beach (surfing)
- Koalas at Kennett River
It can be done in one day, but two to three days allow slower scenic stops.
South Island Scenic Loop (New Zealand)
New Zealand’s South Island feels like nature’s cinema—glaciers, lakes, fjords, and snowy peaks.
Top scenic stops include:
- Lake Tekapo
- Aoraki/Mt Cook
- Lindis Pass
- Queenstown
- Milford Sound
- Franz Josef Glacier
Summer offers lush green scenery, while winter adds snow-capped drama.
Scenic Coastal Drives Worth Adding to Your Bucket List
Beyond the major continental routes, there are smaller coastal drives known for dramatic ocean views, rugged cliffs, and pristine beaches.
Other notable scenic coastal routes include:
- Garden Route (South Africa)
- Cabot Trail (Canada)
- Atlantic Ocean Road (Norway)
- Cabot Trail (Nova Scotia)
- Highway 101 Oregon Coast (USA)
- Algarve Coast Drive (Portugal)
- Route des Crêtes (France)
Coastal drives are ideal for photography, wildlife watching, and water activities like surfing, kayaking, and whale watching.
Mountain & Nature Scenic Drives
For travellers who enjoy altitude, valleys, and national parks, mountain drives offer epic landscapes.
Some stunning mountain drives include:
- Transfagarasan Highway (Romania)
- Karakoram Highway (Pakistan–China)
- Stelvio Pass (Italy)
- Sani Pass (South Africa)
- Trollstigen Road (Norway)
These routes often include hairpin turns, panoramic viewpoints, and changing microclimates.
Best Time to Take Scenic Road Trips
Timing matters because weather directly affects scenery, accessibility, and safety.
Recommended seasons:
- Spring (March–May): Flowers & mild temperatures
- Summer (June–August): Best for alpine & Arctic scenic routes
- Autumn (September–November): Ideal for foliage drives & dry conditions
- Winter (December–February): Good for desert & tropical routes
Always check:
- Snow closures (mountain passes)
- Monsoon conditions
- Fog visibility along coastal routes
Tips to Plan a Scenic Road Trip Smoothly
A scenic drive is more enjoyable with proper preparation. Here are useful planning tips:
Vehicle choice matters
- Mountains: Prefer SUVs/powerful engines
- Cities & highways: Sedans or hatchbacks are fine
- Off-road: 4×4 vehicles recommended
Navigation preparation
- Download offline maps (Google Maps, Maps.me)
- Check fuel stations and rest stops in advance
- Research weather forecasts and road closures
Photography readiness
Scenic routes offer endless photo moments, so carry:
- Extra batteries
- Power banks
- Drone (if legal)
- Car mounts for cameras
Safety considerations
- Avoid night driving in unfamiliar areas
- Respect local wildlife crossings
- Secure luggage properly
- Keep basic repair tools
Small preparation goes a long way!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is considered the most scenic road trip in the world?
The Pacific Coast Highway (USA), Ring Road (Iceland), and Amalfi Coast (Italy) frequently top global lists.
Q2: What is the safest time to take scenic road trips?
Spring and autumn offer mild weather, less traffic, and better visibility for most global routes.
Q3: What camera is best for road trip photography?
DSLRs and mirrorless cameras provide the best quality, but modern smartphones can capture stunning wide-angle shots too.
Q4: Can I rent a car for international scenic road trips?
Yes, most scenic routes in Europe, North America, and Oceania offer car rentals with insurance options.
Final Thoughts
Scenic road trips are for those who love the journey as much as the destination. Each route brings its own flavour—whether it’s the cliffs of Big Sur, the lavender fields of Hokkaido, the alpine glaciers of Canada, or the rugged highlands of Scotland. These drives are meant to be taken slowly, with plenty of stops, viewpoints, and spontaneous detours.
If you’re planning your next travel adventure, consider ditching the quick transport options and embracing the road. The world is full of cinematic landscapes waiting to be explored one kilometre at a time.
