Scenic drives are a captivating way to explore the world’s most breathtaking landscapes, offering an intimate experience of natural beauty from the comfort of your vehicle.
Whether you’re cruising along rugged coastlines, meandering through picturesque valleys, or navigating high mountain passes, these routes provide unparalleled vistas and a sense of adventure. Here’s an in-depth look at some of the best scenic drives globally, designed to inspire your next journey.
Here’s a list of scenic drives around the world that offer stunning landscapes and unforgettable experiences:
Scenic Drives Around the World
1. Blue Ridge Parkway, USA
Spanning 469 miles through the Appalachian Highlands, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers panoramic mountain views, lush forests, and charming small towns. Highlights include the Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah National Park.
2. Col de l’Iseran, France
One of the highest paved mountain passes in Europe, Col de l’Iseran in the French Alps offers breathtaking alpine views and a challenging drive through rugged terrain.
3. Guoliang Tunnel Road, China
Carved through a mountain, the Guoliang Tunnel Road in China offers a dramatic and thrilling drive with stunning rock formations and views of the surrounding landscape.
4. Ring Road, Norway
Norway’s Ring Road encircles the country, offering scenic views of fjords, waterfalls, and dramatic coastlines. Highlights include the Atlantic Road and the picturesque Lofoten Islands.
5. Milford Road, New Zealand
Connecting Te Anau to Milford Sound, Milford Road features awe-inspiring views of mountains, valleys, and glaciers. The drive is renowned for its natural beauty and access to Fiordland National Park.
6. The Road to Hana, Hawaii, USA
The Road to Hana on Maui offers a scenic journey through tropical rainforests, waterfalls, and coastal vistas. Key stops include Wai’anapanapa State Park and the Seven Sacred Pools.
7. Transfăgărășan Highway, Romania
Often called the “best road in the world” by Top Gear, the Transfăgărășan Highway winds through the Carpathian Mountains, offering dramatic views of the rugged landscape and glacial lakes.
8. Highway 40, Canada
Stretching from Calgary to the Canadian Rockies, Highway 40 provides stunning views of mountain peaks, valleys, and pristine lakes. Highlights include Kananaskis Country and the Highwood Pass.
9. Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Iceland
The drive around the Snaefellsnes Peninsula features volcanic landscapes, lava fields, and dramatic coastlines. The route offers views of the Snaefellsjokull glacier and charming fishing villages.
10. The Gorges du Verdon, France
Known as the “Grand Canyon of Europe,” the Gorges du Verdon offers stunning views of the turquoise Verdon River and dramatic canyon walls. The drive is especially spectacular in spring and autumn.
11. Route 66, USA
One of the most famous roads in the world, Route 66 stretches from Chicago to Santa Monica, offering a nostalgic journey through small towns, historic sites, and diverse American landscapes.
12. The Great Alpine Road, Australia
The Great Alpine Road traverses Victoria’s high country, offering scenic views of the Australian Alps, alpine villages, and lush forests. Highlights include Mount Hotham and the scenic town of Bright.
13. The Cauberg, Netherlands
A scenic drive through the Limburg region, the Cauberg offers picturesque rolling hills and charming Dutch countryside, as well as beautiful views from the top of the Cauberg Hill.
14. The Aurlandsfjellet, Norway
Also known as the “Snow Road,” the Aurlandsfjellet offers stunning mountain views and high-altitude scenery. The route provides access to the Aurland and Nærøyfjords.
15. The Seven Mile Drive, USA
Located in Monterey, California, the Seven Mile Drive is renowned for its stunning coastal views, featuring dramatic cliffs, golf courses, and scenic vistas of the Pacific Ocean.
16. The King’s Highway, Jordan
An ancient route connecting Amman to Petra, the King’s Highway offers historical and scenic views of Jordan’s diverse landscapes, including desert terrain, ancient ruins, and lush valleys.
17. The Cape Winelands, South Africa
The Cape Winelands drive offers beautiful views of vineyards, mountains, and charming towns like Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, providing a picturesque journey through South Africa’s wine country.
18. The M62, United Kingdom
Connecting Liverpool and Hull, the M62 offers scenic views of the English countryside, including picturesque villages and rolling hills, providing a peaceful and scenic drive through the heart of England.
19. The Karakoram Highway, Pakistan/China
One of the highest paved roads in the world, the Karakoram Highway offers stunning views of the Karakoram mountain range, glaciers, and remote valleys, connecting Pakistan and China.
20. The Atlantic Ocean Road, Norway
A renowned engineering marvel, the Atlantic Ocean Road connects several small islands with bridges, offering dramatic coastal views, ocean vistas, and an exhilarating driving experience.
These scenic drives each offer unique perspectives on their respective landscapes, ensuring a memorable journey filled with breathtaking sights and unforgettable experiences.
Most Famous Drives:
The Pacific Coast Highway, USA
The Pacific Coast Highway, also known as California State Route 1, is one of the most iconic scenic drives in the United States. Stretching from San Francisco to San Diego, this route offers stunning coastal views with dramatic cliffs and expansive ocean vistas.
Key highlights include the rugged Big Sur coastline, the charming town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, and the beautiful beaches of Santa Barbara.
The Great Ocean Road, Australia
Australia’s Great Ocean Road stretches 243 kilometers along the southeastern coast and is renowned for its stunning coastal scenery.
The route features the famous Twelve Apostles—limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean—as well as lush rainforests and picturesque seaside towns like Lorne. This drive is celebrated for its diverse landscapes and dramatic ocean views.
The Ring Road, Iceland
Iceland’s Ring Road circles the island, offering access to some of the country’s most incredible natural wonders. The drive encompasses volcanic landscapes, geysers, waterfalls, and glaciers.
Highlights include the blue ice caves of Vatnajökull National Park and the geothermal areas near Haukadalur, showcasing Iceland’s unique and diverse scenery.
The Romantic Road, Germany
Germany’s Romantic Road is a picturesque route through medieval towns, fairy-tale castles, and rolling vineyards. Spanning from Würzburg to Füssen, this drive passes through charming villages such as Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Dinkelsbühl, providing a glimpse into traditional German culture and architecture.
The Icefields Parkway, Canada
The Icefields Parkway connects Jasper and Banff National Parks in Alberta, Canada. This scenic drive is known for its stunning mountain views, glacial landscapes, and turquoise lakes like Peyto Lake. The route also offers opportunities to see wildlife such as elk and bighorn sheep against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks.
The Stelvio Pass, Italy
Located in the Italian Alps, the Stelvio Pass is one of Europe’s highest and most challenging mountain roads. With 48 hairpin turns and steep inclines, it offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Despite its demanding nature, the drive is renowned for its breathtaking alpine scenery.
The North Coast 500, Scotland
Scotland’s North Coast 500 is a 500-mile route around the rugged northern coast. This scenic drive features ancient castles, dramatic cliffs, and remote beaches. Highlights include the Isle of Skye, the Smoo Cave, and the picturesque village of Ullapool, offering a mix of adventure and solitude.
The Garden Route, South Africa
South Africa’s Garden Route stretches from Cape Town to Storms River and is known for its diverse scenery, including coastal views, lush forests, and charming towns. Notable stops include Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, as well as the Tsitsikamma National Park with its suspension bridges and rich vegetation.
Highway 1, USA
Extending from California to Washington, Highway 1, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway, offers spectacular coastal scenery. This route features cliffs, beaches, and charming seaside towns, with highlights including the Big Sur region and the stunning Pacific Northwest coastline.
The Swiss Alpine Passes, Switzerland
Switzerland’s Alpine passes, such as the Furka Pass, Grimsel Pass, and Gotthard Pass, provide some of Europe’s most scenic drives. These routes traverse high mountain passes, offering panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and serene lakes, making for a memorable driving experience.
Planning Your Scenic Drive
When preparing for a scenic drive, consider these key factors:
- Seasonal Timing: The best time to embark on a scenic drive varies by destination. Autumn may offer vibrant foliage in certain regions, while summer is ideal for coastal routes.
- Vehicle Preparation: Ensure your vehicle is in good condition, especially for rugged or mountainous terrain. Regular maintenance and a pre-trip check are crucial for a safe journey.
- Plan Your Stops: Research and plan stops at key points of interest along the route. Taking breaks can enhance your experience and provide opportunities for photography.
- Safety and Comfort: Pack essentials such as snacks, water, and a first aid kit. Be prepared for weather and road condition changes, especially in remote or challenging areas.
How Our Team Came Up with These Ideas
Our team’s deep passion for travel and exploration guided the selection of these scenic drives. We drew from personal experiences, expert recommendations, and extensive research to curate a list of the most breathtaking routes worldwide. Each destination was chosen for its unique landscapes, iconic views, and overall driving experience.
Conclusion
Scenic drives offer an extraordinary way to experience the natural world. Whether navigating coastal routes, winding mountain passes, or picturesque countryside, these drives provide unforgettable views and moments of serenity. With thoughtful planning and a sense of adventure, you can create lasting memories and explore some of the world’s most stunning landscapes.
Embrace the journey, savor the vistas, and let the road lead you to new and inspiring experiences. Scenic drives offer not just a mode of transportation, but a profound opportunity to connect with the beauty of nature and the joy of travel.
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