15 Scenic Drives That Turn The Journey Into The Destination

Road trips have a way of turning the journey into the destination. Picture this: the wind in your hair, your favorite playlist on repeat, and stunning landscapes that seem to change at every bend in the road. The thrill of exploration isn’t just about the end goal—it’s about savoring each moment along the way.

In this guide, I’m sharing 15 incredible drives where the road itself becomes an adventure. Whether you’re winding through dramatic mountain passes, cruising along glistening coastlines, or venturing into quiet, lesser-known corners, each route promises to be a feast for the senses.

So, what are you waiting for? The open road is calling—let’s see where it takes us!

1. Pacific Coast Highway, USA

Hugging California’s rugged coastline for nearly 600 miles, this iconic highway delivers jaw-dropping ocean views at every twist and turn. Towering cliffs on one side and endless Pacific blue on the other create a driving experience that’s hard to match anywhere else.

Bixby Bridge, Big Sur’s towering redwoods, and charming coastal towns provide perfect stopping points. The stretch between San Francisco and Los Angeles offers the most dramatic scenery. If you’re lucky, you might spot migrating whales or sea lions lounging on the beaches below.

Plan your drive for late spring or early fall to avoid summer fog and tourist crowds.

2. Garden Route, South Africa

Stretching along South Africa’s southeastern coast, this 190-mile journey weaves through diverse ecosystems from lush forests to pristine beaches. The name doesn’t lie—nature flourishes here in spectacular fashion, with flowering fynbos shrublands creating colorful panoramas.

Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with chances to spot dolphins, whales, and even elephants in protected parks along the way. Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, and Wilderness offer charming stops with excellent seafood and local hospitality.

Did you know this area has seven protected nature reserves? The route’s mild climate makes it pleasant to drive year-round, though whale-watching peaks between June and November.

3. Ring Road, Iceland

Encircling this island nation, Iceland’s Ring Road delivers an otherworldly showcase of volcanic landscapes, thundering waterfalls, and geothermal wonders. The 828-mile route passes black sand beaches, massive glaciers, and steaming geysers that seem straight from a fantasy film.

Though drivable in a week, most travelers take 10-14 days to fully appreciate the ever-changing scenery. Summer brings the midnight sun, while winter offers Northern Lights opportunities despite more challenging driving conditions.

Where else can you see Europe’s largest glacier, active volcanoes, and playful puffins in a single trip? Pack layers regardless of season—Iceland’s weather changes rapidly, often delivering four seasons in a single day.

4. Amalfi Coast, Italy

Clinging to cliffs above the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea, this 50-kilometer stretch of Italian coastline offers Mediterranean magic at every hairpin turn. Ancient fishing villages painted in pastel hues cascade down steep hillsides, creating postcard-perfect views that have enchanted travelers for centuries.

The narrow road between Sorrento and Salerno demands focused driving but rewards with unmatched vistas. Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello provide ideal stopping points with their charming piazzas and delicious cuisine.

Late spring and early fall offer the best balance of pleasant weather and manageable crowds. The locals have a saying: “Drive the Amalfi Coast once, and you’ll remember it forever”—truer words were never spoken.

5. Great Ocean Road, Australia

Built by returning soldiers after World War I, this 243-kilometer Australian coastal drive combines historical significance with breathtaking natural beauty. The road hugs Victoria’s southwestern shoreline, showcasing dramatic limestone formations including the famous Twelve Apostles rising majestically from the Southern Ocean.

Koalas doze in eucalyptus trees along certain stretches, while powerful waves crash against the rugged shoreline below. The route passes through charming seaside towns like Lorne and Apollo Bay where fresh seafood awaits hungry travelers.

Morning drives often reveal magical mist rising from temperate rainforests that reach nearly to the shore. Though magnificent year-round, visiting between November and February offers warmer temperatures perfect for beach stops along the way.

6. Trollstigen, Norway

Carved into Norway’s mountainside with audacious engineering, Trollstigen (Troll’s Path) features 11 hairpin turns ascending a steep 9% grade. Each bend reveals increasingly spectacular views of the surrounding peaks, waterfalls, and deep valley below.

The road’s name comes from local folklore—trolls were said to roam these mountains before turning to stone at sunrise. Modern visitors can appreciate several viewing platforms, including a dramatic glass-floored overlook that extends over the valley. Snow typically closes this route from October through May, making summer visits essential.

The nearby Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site, makes a perfect companion destination to this unforgettable mountain pass that showcases Norwegian nature at its most dramatic.

7. Cabot Trail, Canada

Looping around the northern portion of Nova Scotia’s Cape Breton Island, this 298-kilometer Canadian masterpiece blends coastal grandeur with highland charm. The road rises and falls dramatically as it traces the edges of forested mountains before plunging toward the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Autumn transforms the landscape into a spectacular tapestry of red, orange, and gold foliage. Celtic influences permeate the region, with traditional music often heard in local pubs and restaurants.

Moose, bald eagles, and whales are commonly spotted along this route that traverses Cape Breton Highlands National Park. The trail takes its name from explorer John Cabot who first landed on these shores in 1497, beginning a cultural fusion that continues to define this uniquely Canadian region.

8. Causeway Coastal Route, N. Ireland

Stretching 120 miles from Belfast to Londonderry, this Northern Irish treasure connects dramatic geological wonders with locations straight from Game of Thrones. The route’s centerpiece, Giant’s Causeway, features 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns created by ancient volcanic activity—though local legend credits a giant named Finn McCool.

Dunluce Castle’s medieval ruins perch precariously on cliff edges, while Carrick-a-Rede’s rope bridge sways 100 feet above crashing waves. The Dark Hedges, an atmospheric tunnel of intertwined beech trees, gained fame as the Kingsroad in HBO’s fantasy epic.

Weather changes rapidly here, so pack rainwear regardless of season. The dramatically varied scenery makes this one of Europe’s most rewarding coastal drives despite its relatively short length.

9. NC500, Scotland

Dubbed “Scotland’s Route 66,” this 516-mile circuit showcases the wild beauty of the Scottish Highlands in all their rugged glory. Leaving from Inverness Castle, the North Coast 500 loops through remote villages, past ancient ruins, and alongside pristine beaches that rival Caribbean shores (albeit with chillier waters).

Single-track roads wind through landscapes that shift from mountain passes to coastal cliffs. Castle ruins, whisky distilleries, and Highland cattle provide quintessentially Scottish photo opportunities around every bend. The route passes John O’Groats, mainland Britain’s northeasternmost point.

Though drivable year-round, summer brings longer daylight hours—sometimes nearly 18 hours—perfect for maximizing sightseeing in this increasingly popular but still wonderfully uncrowded corner of Scotland.

10. Road to Hana, Hawaii

Snaking along Maui’s northeastern coastline, this 64-mile tropical adventure packs 620 curves and 59 bridges into a day’s journey. The Hana Highway isn’t about reaching your destination quickly—it’s about embracing the slow pace required to appreciate the lush rainforest, cascading waterfalls, and hidden beaches along the way.

Many bridges date from 1910 and remain single-lane, creating natural pauses to admire the surrounding beauty. Black sand beaches, bamboo forests, and roadside stands selling fresh banana bread and tropical fruits provide perfect stopping points.

Early morning starts help avoid crowds at popular spots like Seven Sacred Pools. Local etiquette suggests driving the entire loop rather than turning around at Hana, allowing you to experience the dramatic, less-visited backside of Haleakalā.

11. Route 40, Argentina

Stretching nearly 3,200 miles from Argentina’s northern border to its southern tip, Ruta 40 ranks among the world’s longest highways. This epic road parallels the Andes Mountains, crossing 20 national parks and 18 major rivers while rising from sea level to almost 16,000 feet at its highest pass.

The landscapes transform dramatically—from tropical northern regions through wine country around Mendoza to the windswept Patagonian plateau. Centuries-old petrified forests, prehistoric cave paintings, and massive glaciers provide unforgettable stops.

Though increasingly paved, some sections remain gravel adventures requiring careful planning. Argentina’s massive scale means weather conditions vary wildly depending on your location. Most travelers tackle sections rather than the entire route, with Patagonia’s portion offering particularly spectacular mountain vistas.

12. Basque Coast, France

Connecting chic Biarritz to historic Hendaye along France’s southwestern corner, this 30-kilometer coastal gem delivers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. The Corniche Basque road hugs dramatic cliffs above the Atlantic, revealing hidden coves and panoramic ocean views.

Charming fishing villages like Guéthary and Saint-Jean-de-Luz offer authentic Basque cuisine featuring fresh seafood and regional specialties. The area’s unique culture straddles French and Spanish influences, creating a distinctive atmosphere unlike anywhere else in France.

Summer brings perfect beach weather and bustling markets, while spring and fall offer quieter roads with equally stunning scenery. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample pintxos (Basque tapas) in the seaside towns where surf culture meets centuries-old maritime traditions.

13. Furka Pass, Switzerland

Climbing to 7,969 feet through the Swiss Alps, this high mountain pass delivers heart-stopping vistas and engineering marvels in equal measure. Made famous in the James Bond film Goldfinger, Furka’s tight switchbacks and steep grades challenge drivers while rewarding them with incomparable Alpine panoramas.

The route passes the Rhône Glacier, where visitors can explore an ice grotto carved into the ancient blue ice. Snow typically closes the pass from October to June, making summer the prime driving season.

The pass connects the cantons of Uri and Valais, with distinct cultural differences noticeable between the German and French-speaking regions it links—all while surrounded by some of Europe’s most breathtaking mountain scenery.

14. Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

Tracing Ireland’s entire western seaboard for 1,600 miles, this epic coastal journey represents Europe’s longest defined coastal drive. The Wild Atlantic Way lives up to its name with powerful ocean views, sheer cliffs, and landscapes shaped by the relentless Atlantic forces. Ancient stone forts, medieval castles, and traditional music-filled pubs provide cultural counterpoints to the natural wonders.

The Cliffs of Moher and Skellig Michael (of Star Wars fame) rank among the most photographed highlights, but countless hidden gems await discovery along less-traveled sections.

The route passes through nine counties, each with distinct accents, traditions, and specialties worth experiencing at a leisurely pace.

15. Blue Ridge Parkway, USA

Connecting Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina, this 469-mile mountain corridor offers America’s longest linear park. The Blue Ridge Parkway follows Appalachian Mountain crests, with elevations ranging from 649 to 6,053 feet above sea level.

Commercial development is prohibited along the entire route, preserving natural and cultural landscapes that showcase the region’s rich heritage. Autumn brings spectacular foliage displays that attract photographers and nature lovers from around the world.

This misty effect comes from isoprene released by the dense forests. With a strictly enforced 45 mph speed limit, this drive encourages slow travel through some of eastern America’s most beautiful landscapes.