15 Most Scenic Road Trips in the World [2025 Bucket List Guide]

Road trips that combine freedom, adventure, and unforgettable scenery rank among the world’s finest experiences.  Passionate travelers have covered more than 100,000 miles across 20+ countries in the past decade.  They found routes that turn simple drives into amazing adventures.

The Pacific Coast Highway between Los Angeles and San Francisco “is worth ALL of the hype”.  South Africa’s remarkable 4000-kilometer stretch from Johannesburg to Cape Town offers much more than just getting to your destination.  Victoria’s Great Ocean Road runs 243 kilometers and amazes everyone with its spectacular ocean views.  Iceland’s Ring Road circles the entire country and showcases incredible waterfalls, volcanoes, black sand beaches and hot springs.  Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way and Ring of Kerry deserve their reputation as some of the world’s most stunning drives.

This complete guide highlights 15 breathtaking road trips to add to your 2025 bucket list.  Each route reveals unique landscapes.  The Karakoram Highway links Pakistan and China at one of the world’s highest border crossings, while Southern Africa’s routes promise pure adventure.  These lesser-known roads create lifelong memories, whether you’re planning your next trip or just daydreaming about future adventures.

Iceland Ring Road, Iceland

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The Ring Road (Route 1) circles Iceland and stretches 821.5 miles (1,322 kilometers) through some of earth’s most unique landscapes.  This iconic highway is one of the world’s best road trip destinations that lets travelers experience the Land of Fire and Ice.

Why Iceland Ring Road is Scenic

The Ring Road shows off Iceland’s amazing geographical variety.  The landscapes change from flat coastal plains in the south to winding fjords in the east.  You’ll drive through volcanic deserts, see glacier-capped mountains, black sand beaches and bubbling geothermal fields.  Each turn brings new views that look almost alien.  The changing light creates new looks of the stunning scenery all day long.

Top Stops on Iceland Ring Road

The southern part has Iceland’s most photographed spots.  Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls pour down black basalt cliffs, while Dyrhólaey cliffs give amazing ocean views.  The Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon is the country’s crown jewel where huge icebergs float toward the sea.

The east section takes you through beautiful Eastfjords with charming coastal villages.  The northern part shows off the lively city of Akureyri and Lake Mývatn’s geothermal wonders.  Many travelers also take side trips to see the Golden Circle, Snæfellsnes Peninsula or the remote Westfjords for extra adventure.

Best Time to Visit Iceland Ring Road

Summer months (May-September) are best for an Iceland road trip.  Travelers get mild weather and long daylight hours—up to 21 hours of light in midsummer.  This extra daylight gives you more time to explore.

Winter drives on the Ring Road are possible but challenging.  December and January only have 4-5 hours of daylight.  Strong storms with harsh winds can close roads, especially after October.  Winter travelers should plan extra time and keep flexible plans.  Most experts say you need 8-9 days for the trip, but 10-12 days gives you the best experience.

Pacific Coast Highway, USA

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Stretching 655 miles along California’s rugged coastline, the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) runs from Dana Point in the south to Mendocino County in the north.  This iconic route gives drivers one of the most breathtaking coastal trips on the planet.  The legendary highway shows off California’s diverse shoreline with hairpin turns, dramatic cliffs and sweeping ocean views.

Why Pacific Coast Highway is Scenic

Raw natural beauty makes the PCH truly special.  Drivers can see the Pacific Ocean smashing against jagged rocks below as they follow its winding path.  The Big Sur section steals the show.  Mountains here dive straight into the sea and create dramatic scenery that often faces landslide risks.  The road hugs steep cliffs one moment and drops down to pristine beaches the next.  Many drivers say taking the PCH feels like riding a roller coaster with its curves, narrow lanes, and steep drops.

Top Stops on Pacific Coast Highway

Bixby Bridge is an engineering marvel that rises 260 feet above a steep canyon.  It ranks among the world’s highest bridges of its kind.  Down south, McWay Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park has what people call “the biggest-bang-for-not-much-work hike on the planet.” The waterfall here drops right onto a beach.  Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey charm visitors with the famous 17-Mile Drive. Santa Barbara brings Mediterranean vibes, while Hearst Castle near San Simeon and the Elephant Seal Rookery attract thousands of migrating elephant seals each year.

Best Time to Visit Pacific Coast Highway

September offers perfect conditions for a PCH trip.  The weather stays warm and sunny, and most of Northern California’s typical fog clears up.  This means you’ll get amazing ocean views.  May brings spring wildflowers, October shows off golden foliage and April features lush greenery and waterfalls.  You should skip winter months because storms can shut down parts of the highway, especially around Big Sur.

Garden Route, South Africa

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The Garden Route stretches approximately 200 kilometers (190 miles) along South Africa’s stunning coastline.  This remarkable path runs from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape to Storms River in the Eastern Cape.  The iconic drive ranks among the world’s finest road trip destinations and showcases South Africa’s natural beauty in a compact yet spectacular way.

Why Garden Route is Scenic

The Garden Route lives up to its reputation through its remarkable blend of landscapes packed into a relatively short distance.  Travelers experience an array of coastal beauty, lush forests and mountain backdrops within minutes of each other.  The route’s magic shines through its transitions.  Forested mountains flow into sprawling wetlands that border pristine white-sand beaches.  Drivers reach hilltops to find ribbons of stunning white sand that stretch into the distance next to surf-speckled blue ocean.  The region’s ecological diversity stands unmatched with its unique fynbos shrubland and fragrant coastal vegetation.

Top Stops on Garden Route

Knysna represents the Garden Route’s heart with its scenic lagoon and dramatic Knysna Heads where the lagoon meets the Indian Ocean.  Wilderness nearby serves as a paradise for nature lovers with its bird-filled forests, rivers and lagoons.  Plettenberg Bay (“Plett”) draws visitors with excellent beaches and chances to spot dolphins, whales and seals during ocean safaris.

Robberg Nature Reserve features diverse terrain from sandy beaches to cliffs with a thriving seal colony.  Storms River in Tsitsikamma National Park stands out for its iconic suspension bridge and adventure activities.  Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa’s third-largest national park, awaits wildlife enthusiasts.

Best Time to Visit Garden Route

The Garden Route’s temperate climate makes it ideal to visit year-round.  Summer months (December-March) bring warm, dry weather with temperatures around 27°C (80°F), though tourist numbers peak during this time.  Autumn (March-May) provides milder conditions with fewer crowds, making it perfect to visit.  Winter (June-August) brings special opportunities for whale watching.  Humpback whales travel to the coast to calve specifically in June.

Great Ocean Road, Australia

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Australian World War I soldiers built the Great Ocean Road between 1919 and 1932.  The road stretches 243 kilometers along Victoria’s southwest coast from Torquay to Allansford.  This iconic coastal drive ranks among Australia’s most celebrated tourist spots.  Visitors experience an unmatched blend of rugged cliffs, pristine beaches and lush rainforests.

Why Great Ocean Road is Scenic

The Great Ocean Road’s beauty comes from its remarkable diversity packed into a compact trip.  The road clings to cliff edges and provides panoramic ocean views while waves crash against jagged rocks below.  Stunning coastal views alternate with stretches through the thick Otway Rainforest that create an ever-changing landscape.  The scenery shifts from surf beaches to limestone formations and dense eucalyptus forests to cascading waterfalls.  Each turn of this winding route reveals breathtaking new views.

Top Stops on Great Ocean Road

The Twelve Apostles are the crown jewel of the route.  These limestone stacks rise majestically from the Southern Ocean.  Eight pillars stand today, yet their grandeur remains unchanged.  Loch Ard Gorge nearby showcases a dramatic coastal chasm and tells the tale of a famous 1878 shipwreck.  The route features other must-see landmarks.  The London Bridge is an arched rock formation that broke away from the mainland in 1990.  The Grotto shows off a unique rock formation with a natural pool, while the Bay of Islands features countless rock formations in the sea.

Best time to visit Great Ocean Road

Spring months from September to November offer perfect weather, blooming wildflowers, and smaller crowds. Summer brings warmer temperatures between 25-30°C from December to February, but tourist numbers peak during this time.  Autumn months from March to May are quieter with mild weather as summer fades.  Winter stretches from June to October.  These cooler months are perfect for dramatic photos, refreshing hikes and whale watching.  The sweet spots are October-November or February-March when weather is pleasant and crowds are thin.

Amalfi Coast, Italy

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The Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, stretches along the southern shore of Salerno Gulf by the Tyrrhenian Sea.  This iconic 60-kilometer route from Sorrento to Vietri sul Mare stands as one of Europe’s most spectacular coastal roads.

Why Amalfi Coast is Scenic

The Costiera Amalfitana fascinates drivers with its dramatic vertical landscape where limestone cliffs dive into sapphire waters.  The road becomes part of the experience as it winds along cliff edges and reveals stunning new vistas at every hairpin turn.  Natural beauty extends beyond the coastline.  Terraced lemon trees, vineyards and olive groves dot the roads between fishing villages.  Colorful houses seem to defy gravity as they cling to steep hillsides.  This iconic drive cuts directly into near-vertical cliffs, creating an exciting trip that blends natural beauty with engineering marvel.

Top stops on Amalfi Coast

Positano shines as the region’s crown jewel, its pastel-colored buildings flowing down to meet the sea.  Amalfi town proudly displays its 9th-century Cathedral with a striking black and white facade.  Ravello sits majestically at 365 meters, offering visitors Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo with their breathtaking views.  Praiano beckons with its Church of San Gennaro’s spectacular Majolica tile work.  Salerno rounds out the experience with its medieval quarter and the scenic Castello di Arechi.

Best Time to Visit Amalfi Coast

May stands out as the perfect month to visit, with ideal temperatures, blooming flowers and fewer tourists. September and October bring pleasant weather and smaller crowds.  The optimal window spans from April through October, as many establishments close for winter before Easter.  Winter visits from November through March offer significant savings, though many restaurants and hotels remain closed during this time.

Icefields Parkway, Canada

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National Geographic calls it “the drive of a lifetime.” The Icefields Parkway stretches 232 kilometers (144 miles) through the heart of the Canadian Rockies.  This amazing route connects Lake Louise in Banff National Park to the town of Jasper in Jasper National Park.

Why Icefields Parkway is Scenic

The Icefields Parkway fascinates travelers with its incredible collection of natural wonders.  More than 100 ancient glaciers line this route along with cascading waterfalls, dramatic rock spires and emerald lakes nestled among thick pine and larch forests.  This highway stands out from typical mountain drives with its diverse landscapes.  The scenery changes from forested valleys to the Columbia Icefield, which is the largest ice mass in the Canadian Rockies and covers 200 km².  Drivers can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of towering snow-capped peaks that reflect perfectly in glacier-fed lakes throughout their trip.

Top Stops on Icefields Parkway

Peyto Lake is the most photographed location on the route.  Its vibrant turquoise waters form a wolf’s shape when viewed from Bow Summit—Canada’s highest public road point at 2,088 meters.  Athabasca Glacier, one of the six principal “toes” of the Columbia Icefield, gives visitors a rare chance to walk near ancient ice.  The route features other must-see spots like Bow Lake with Crowfoot Glacier views, the thundering Athabasca Falls and the powerful Sunwapta Falls which look spectacular during spring runoff.

Best Time to Visit Icefields Parkway

The summer months (June through September) provide the best conditions.  Daytime temperatures reach 17-20°C and all services remain open.  Traffic peaks in July and August with up to 100,000 vehicles each month.  Winter brings major challenges as the road stays open but services shut down from November through April.  Travel experts suggest taking a full day for the one-way trip to truly enjoy this remarkable drive.

Lofoten Islands, Norway

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The Lofoten Islands sit at the 68th northern parallel just above the Arctic Circle along Norway’s northern coast.  National Geographic ranks this stunning archipelago among the world’s most appealing destinations.  Visitors will find a perfect blend of jagged mountain peaks, pristine beaches and traditional fishing villages.

Why Lofoten Islands are Scenic

Magic emerges from Lofoten’s remarkable contrasts.  Mountain walls shoot straight up from turquoise waters and the boundaries between land and sea blend naturally.  Local communities thrive alongside untamed natural beauty.  The island’s appearance changes throughout the year as light conditions shift.  Golden rays of the Midnight Sun bathe the landscape while the Northern Lights dance across winter skies.

Top Stops on Lofoten Islands Road Trip

Hamnøy stands out as maybe the most photogenic spot in Lofoten.  Red fishing cabins (rorbuer) rest above crystal waters.  The nearby village of Reine offers breathtaking views and marks the beginning of the famous Reinebringen hike.  Adventurous travelers can climb about 2,000 steps to reach the summit.  Norway’s best-preserved fishing village, Nusfjord, offers a window into traditional coastal life.  The pristine beaches of Haukland, Uttakleiv, and Kvalvika add to the experience, along with the fascinating Lofotr Viking Museum.

Best Time to Visit Lofoten Islands

The islands show a different face each season.  Summer months (July-August) bring the Midnight Sun from late May to mid-July, endless daylight and perfect hiking weather.  August visitors enjoy 15-20 hours of daylight with smaller crowds than July.  The Northern Lights appear from September to April.  January and February strike a good balance between daylight hours and aurora viewing chances.  Winter travelers should know that polar nights bring 24 hours of darkness from November through early January.

South Island Loop, New Zealand

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The South Island of New Zealand rewards travelers with a circular route that combines stunning landscapes into one unforgettable experience.  This road trip weaves through nature’s most breathtaking scenes and deserves a spot on any global road trip bucket list.

Why South Island Loop is Scenic

Dramatic landscape contrasts make this drive extraordinary.  Snow-capped mountains cast reflections in turquoise glacial lakes, while wild sandy beaches and foaming waterfalls create stunning vistas.  The Crown Range Road winds through mountains between Wānaka and Queenstown and stands as one of the country’s most beautiful routes. Travelers find themselves pausing repeatedly as the scenery reshapes the scene at every turn.

Top Stops on South Island Loop

Mount Cook National Park showcases New Zealand’s highest peak with hiking trails that offer remarkable views for minimal effort.  Lake Pukaki’s striking turquoise waters, created by glacial rock flour, engage visitors instantly.  Wanaka serves as a gateway to Mt. Aspiring National Park, while Queenstown, the adventure capital, nestles beside the stunning Lake Wakatipu amid mountain peaks.  Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park, known as “the eighth wonder of the world”, features imposing cliffs and waterfalls.  Franz Josef Glacier shows nature’s raw power and beauty, yet sadly disappears at 1.5m per year.

Best Time to Visit South Island Loop

February and March bring ideal conditions with warm weather and fewer crowds.  Summer months (December-February) maintain temperatures of 20-25°C (68-77°F), keeping all Great Walks accessible.  Autumn (March-May) treats visitors to beautiful colors with reduced tourist numbers.

Marrakesh to Sahara, Morocco

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A spectacular trip from Marrakesh to the Sahara showcases some of the most striking landscape changes you’ll find anywhere in the world.  The 565km route leads travelers through scenery that changes from busy city streets to endless desert stretches.

Why Marrakesh to Sahara is Scenic

Natural beauty shines through dramatic changes and geological variety along this route.  The road climbs into the Atlas Mountains after leaving Marrakesh.  It reaches North Africa’s highest mountain pass at Tizi n’Tichka (7,410 feet above sea level).  Mountain views are breathtaking from the hairpin turns carved into steep slopes, though some driving sections might test your nerves.  The scenery changes to rough desert valleys past the mountains.  Red-clay peaks, small mountain villages, and the Sahara’s golden sand dunes create an unforgettable sight.

Top Stops on Marrakesh to Sahara Road Trip

Aït Benhaddou earned its UNESCO World Heritage status and served as a filming location for The Mummy and Game of Thrones.  Ouarzazate serves as the “Gateway to the Sahara” and makes a perfect rest stop.  The path leads through Dades Gorges with its unique rock formations and Todra Gorge, which locals call the “Grand Canyon of Morocco”.  Merzouga marks the final stop where travelers can ride camels into the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi.

Best Time to Visit Morocco

Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) bring pleasant temperatures between 68-77°F.  These seasons create perfect conditions to explore Morocco’s landscapes.  Summer months (June-August) can be too hot for comfort, especially in desert areas.  Winter temperatures drop surprisingly low but attract fewer tourists.  Desert exploration remains possible with proper clothing.

Croatian Coastline, Croatia

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Stretching for 1,770km (1,100 miles), Croatia’s glorious Adriatic coastline has become one of Europe’s most remarkable road trip routes in the past decade.  The stunning Adriratic Highway, which locals call Jadranska Magistrala, runs 643.1km along the rugged shoreline and reveals breathtaking views around every corner.

Why Croatian Coastline is scenic

The Croatian coastal drive fascinates travelers with its dramatic contrasts.  The road weaves between steep cliffs and dips down to pristine beaches, while the crystal-clear turquoise Adriatic Sea stays in view.  Hundreds of islands dot the sparkling waters on one side, and the impressive Velebit and Velika Kapela mountain ranges create a spectacular backdrop on the other.  Steep and rocky terrain makes this a thrilling drive where cliff-top views and white-knuckle turns make drivers feel like they’re flying over the sea.

Top Stops on Croatian Coastline

Croatia’s crown jewel, Dubrovnik, showcases impressive 16th-century stone walls and UNESCO-protected architecture.  Split buzzes with vibrant atmosphere and houses the 1,700-year-old Diocletian’s Palace.  Zadar charms visitors with its famous sea organ and spectacular sunsets.  Travelers should also explore Rovinj’s Italian-inspired charm, Krka National Park’s beautiful waterfalls, and the Zavratnica Cove that became a “protected landscape” in 1964.

Best Time to Visit Croatian Coastline

The shoulder seasons—April to June and September to October—offer the perfect mix of good weather, smaller crowds and reasonable prices.  Peak season hits in July and August, bringing massive crowds, higher prices and temperatures between 25-30°C.  The winter months from November to March paint a different picture—many coastal spots close, but open establishments offer great deals.  Visitors who come during off-peak seasons get to experience Croatia almost exclusively with locals.

Oman Grand Loop

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The coastal road in Oman stretches 1,000 miles along the peninsula from Muscat to Salalah, making it an epic road trip.  This grand loop takes you through stunning landscapes and stands out as one of the Middle East’s hidden driving gems.

Why Oman is Scenic

Oman fascinates travelers with its incredible mix of landscapes.  The route shows off big deserts, wild Arabian coastlines, and rugged mountain peaks.  Drivers pass pristine beaches, river gorges, and crystal-clear blue waters along the way.  The trip through Jebel Akhdar mountains reveals dramatic beauty with terraced fields, deep gorges and waterfalls.  Travelers will find hidden port towns and wildlife reserves scattered along this winding coastal route.

Top Stops on Oman Road Trip

Muscat makes a perfect starting point with its Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and ornate architecture.  Daymaniyat Islands boasts stunning white sand beaches and brilliant aqua waters that are perfect for snorkeling.  Wahiba Sands Desert (Sharqiyah Sands) shows off endless golden dunes.  Nizwa stands proud with its ancient fort from the 12th century.  Bimmah Sinkhole welcomes visitors with a beautiful natural swimming hole filled with crystal-clear blue water.

Best Time to Visit Oman

The high season runs from October through March with pleasant temperatures between 17°C and 35°C.  These months have minimal rainfall, which makes them perfect for outdoor activities.  Summer months (June-August) bring intense heat that makes exploring outdoors tough.  Salalah’s monsoon season (khareef) from June to September transforms mountain landscapes into lush green spaces with flowing waterfalls.

Patagonia, Chile & Argentina

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Patagonia stretches across southern Argentina and Chile, offering one of Earth’s most breathtaking road trip experiences.  This untamed wilderness lets travelers discover dramatic mountain ranges, ancient glaciers and crystal-clear lakes away from civilization.

Why Patagonia is Scenic

Raw beauty and extraordinary diversity make Patagonia a traveler’s paradise.  Towering granite spires dominate the landscape, while turquoise lakes mirror snow-capped peaks.  Massive ice sheets spread across 200 km².  The scenery changes from dense forests to vast grasslands and dramatic cliffs drop into deep fjords.  Its remote location creates a true wilderness where visitors often spot guanacos, pumas and rare birds.

Top Stops on Patagonia Road Trip

Torres del Paine National Park in Chile stands out with its iconic granite towers.  Hikers love its famous routes like the W Trek and Circuit.  Perito Moreno Glacier near El Calafate stands among the world’s rare advancing glaciers.  El Chaltén, Argentina’s trekking capital, leads to stunning Mount Fitz Roy trails.  Puerto Río Tranquilo amazes visitors with the unique Marble Caves on Lake General Carrera.

Best Time to Visit Patagonia

The prime season runs from October through April.  Spring blooms paint November with wildflowers, while March dazzles with fall colors.  Summer months from December to February bring pleasant temperatures in the high 60s and low 70s with 16-hour days.  Winter blankets the region in snow from May to October, leading to road closures and limited services.

Pamir Highway, Tajikistan

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The Pamir Highway (M-41) traces an ancient Silk Road path where Marco Polo and countless civilizations once traveled.  This remarkable 1,250-kilometer route connects Osh, Kyrgyzstan to Dushanbe, Tajikistan, making it one of the world’s most epic road trips.

Why Pamir Highway is Scenic

This incredible highway packs remarkable diversity into a single trip.  The world’s second-highest highway reaches an impressive 4,655 meters at its peak.  Travelers will find over 100 ancient glaciers, dramatic rock spires and turquoise lakes along the way.  The scenery transforms dramatically from the green meadows of Alay Valley to stark, lunar-like plateaus.  The route runs about 300km along Afghanistan’s border, giving travelers glimpses of remote Afghan villages across the Panj river.

Top Stops on Pamir Highway

Sary Tash rewards visitors with spectacular views of the Pamir range.  The nearby Tulpar Lake showcases fantastic vistas of Lenin Peak (7,100m).  Murghab, the Pamir’s largest settlement, serves as a vital transportation hub despite its harsh conditions.  Alichur holds Tajikistan’s record for lowest temperature (-60°C) and boasts impressive wild valleys.  The Wakhan Valley stands out with the region’s richest cultural heritage, featuring ancient fortresses like Yamchun perched along winding turns.

Best Time to Visit Pamir Highway

The highway stays open throughout the year, but the best conditions appear from June through September.  July and August bring the warmest and driest weather.  Spring visitors can enjoy abundant wildflowers, while autumn travelers will find colorful foliage and fewer tourists.  Winter brings extreme challenges – even August mornings in Alichur can see temperatures drop to -6°C.

Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

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The Wild Atlantic Way stretches over 1,600 miles (2,600 km) along Ireland’s dramatic western coast.  This spectacular coastal route ranks among the world’s longest defined paths.  The trip starts at the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal and ends in the vibrant town of Kinsale, County Cork, where Ireland’s untamed beauty comes alive.

Why Wild Atlantic Way is Scenic

The raw power of the Atlantic Ocean has carved out a deeply indented terrain that makes this route captivating.  Travelers can see towering cliffs, pristine white-sand beaches and lush emerald hillsides just minutes apart.  The winding coastal road reveals something new at every turn—from windswept headlands to charming fishing villages where people still preserve ancient traditions and speak the Irish language.

Top Stops on Wild Atlantic Way

Slieve League in Donegal features Europe’s most impressive sea cliffs that rise 601m above the Atlantic.  Connemara National Park includes over 2,000 hectares of mountains, bogs and grasslands.  Cliffs of Moher extend 14km and rise 120m from the ocean, offering views that reach the Aran Islands.  The route also explains the beauty of Dingle Peninsula, Killarney National Park and the moon-like terrain of The Burren.

Best Time to Visit Wild Atlantic Way

The ideal times to visit are April-May and September-October when the weather stays pleasant without the peak-season crowds.  Summer months (June-August) bring longer days but more tourists.  Wildlife enthusiasts often visit in winter to spot migratory birds, seals and bottlenose dolphins.

Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

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The experience from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City spans almost 1,650 kilometers across Vietnam’s S-shaped landscape.  This incredible route showcases extraordinary diversity that you won’t find anywhere else.  The scenery changes dramatically as you head southward.

Why Vietnam Road Trip is Scenic

The remarkable transitions between landscapes will fascinate any traveler.  You’ll see picturesque karst mountains in Ninh Binh and the spectacular caves of Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park.  The route meanders through stunning coastal passes like Cổ Mã and Deo Cả, which reveal hidden bays next to verdant valleys.  Traditional Vietnamese culture thrives in rural villages that dot the journey.  The views shift from northern rice paddies to central beaches and finally to southern tropical plains.

Top Stops on Vietnam Road Trip

Ninh Binh features majestic limestone mountains and peaceful rivers that earned it the nickname “Halong Bay on land”.  Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park boasts Asia’s oldest karst mountains and longest caves.  Hoi An charms visitors with its lantern-lit streets and vibrant buildings.  Mui Ne‘s palm-lined beaches let you watch spectacular sunrises over towering sand dunes.

Best Time to Visit Vietnam

March and April offer the best weather across the country with mild temperatures and little rain.  The north sees cold winters from December to February and hot summers between May and August.  The south stays warm throughout the year with a rainy season from June to November.

Comparison Table

Enjoy Most Scenic Road Trips in the World

These 15 epic road trips showcase nature’s most spectacular views across six continents.  Drivers can experience Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes, hug the dramatic cliffs of the Pacific Coast Highway or cross the ancient Pamir Highway.  Each route creates unique experiences you can’t find anywhere else.

The right timing substantially boosts the magic of these adventures.  Northern routes like the Icefields Parkway and Lofoten Islands shine best in summer months.  The Amalfi Coast and Croatian coastline’s shoulder seasons prove perfect.  Spring and fall bring pleasant temperatures with fewer tourists, making them great alternatives.

These routes connect travelers to rich cultural experiences beyond their stunning landscapes.  Italy’s cliff-hanging villages, Norway’s traditional fishing communities and the Pamir Highway’s ancient Silk Road settlements add human stories to these natural wonders.

Smart travelers give themselves plenty of time on each route.  Short map distances often need days to fully appreciate.  Hidden viewpoints, countless photo spots and surprise discoveries line these winding roads.  Expert road trippers usually double their planned driving times on these iconic routes.

New Zealand’s turquoise lakes and Morocco’s golden dunes make these 15 road trips the ultimate symbols of freedom and adventure.  Every hairpin turn promises new discoveries on the open road.  These challenging experiences create memories that outlast regular vacations.

Without doubt, these extraordinary drives turn travelers into storytellers who collect moments beyond ordinary description.  The world waits for those ready to grab the wheel and chase adventure.

FAQs

Q1. What is considered the most scenic road trip in the world?
While beauty is subjective, many travelers consider Iceland’s Ring Road one of the most scenic drives globally.  It offers diverse landscapes including waterfalls, volcanoes, black sand beaches and hot springs all within a 1,322 km loop around the country.

Q2. When is the best time to take a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway?
September is widely regarded as the ideal month for a Pacific Coast Highway road trip.  The weather is warm and sunny, summer crowds have dissipated and the coastal fog has largely cleared, providing superior ocean visibility.

Q3. Which road trip destination is trending for 2025?
While specific 2025 trends are yet to be determined, destinations like the Pamir Highway in Tajikistan are gaining popularity among adventure seekers.  This ancient Silk Road route offers breathtaking mountain scenery and a unique cultural experience.

Q4. What makes the Amalfi Coast drive in Italy so special?
The Amalfi Coast drive is renowned for its dramatic vertical landscape where limestone cliffs plunge into the sapphire Tyrrhenian Sea.  The winding coastal road hugs cliff edges, revealing stunning vistas of colorful towns, lemon groves and the Mediterranean at every turn.

Q5. How long should I plan for a road trip along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way?
The Wild Atlantic Way stretches over 2,600 km, so the duration depends on your pace and interests.  Most travelers recommend at least 10-14 days to comfortably explore the route’s highlights, including the Cliffs of Moher, Dingle Peninsula and Connemara National Park.