Top scenic drives
Top scenic drives offer breathtaking views and stunning landscapes that make for a memorable road trip experience. These drives take travelers through some of the most picturesque locations, offering the perfect opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature from the comfort of a car.
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From the iconic Pacific Coast Highway in California to the dramatic landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, top scenic drives offer a range of diverse and stunning vistas. Whether it’s the winding roads of the Amalfi Coast in Italy or the rugged beauty of the Cabot Trail in Canada, these drives provide a unique way to explore the natural beauty of a destination. The Great Ocean Road in Australia offers stunning coastal views, while the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park showcases the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. No matter where you are in the world, there is likely a top scenic drive nearby that will take your breath away with its stunning views and unforgettable landscapes. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready to be amazed by the beauty of these top scenic drives.
Pacific Coast HighwayView AllPacific Coast Highway - Scenic coastal road in California with stunning ocean views.
Great Ocean RoadView AllGreat Ocean Road - Scenic coastal drive in Victoria, Australia.
Blue Ridge ParkwayView AllBlue Ridge Parkway - Scenic road through Appalachian Mountains with breathtaking views.
Going-to-the-Sun RoadView AllGoing-to-the-Sun Road - Scenic mountain road in Glacier National Park, Montana.
Icefields ParkwayView AllIcefields Parkway - Scenic mountain road in Banff and Jasper National Parks.
Ring Road (Iceland)View AllRing Road (Iceland) - Circular road around Iceland, connecting major cities and attractions.
Amalfi Coast RoadView AllAmalfi Coast Road - Scenic coastal drive with breathtaking views in Italy.
Trollstigen (Norway)View AllTrollstigen (Norway) - Steep and winding mountain road in Norway.
Cabot TrailView AllCabot Trail - Scenic coastal drive in Nova Scotia, Canada.
Overseas HighwayView AllOverseas Highway - Scenic coastal road connecting Florida Keys.
Top scenic drives
1.
Pacific Coast Highway
The Pacific Coast Highway, also known as Highway 1, is a scenic and iconic road that runs along the coast of California. Stretching for over 600 miles, it offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, rugged cliffs, and pristine beaches. The highway passes through charming coastal towns, including Malibu, Santa Barbara, and Big Sur, and offers access to popular landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge and the Hearst Castle. It is a popular route for road trips and is known for its stunning natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, surfing, and whale watching.
Pros
Stunning ocean views- scenic drive
- access to beautiful beaches
Cons
Heavy traffic- risk of landslides
- limited parking
2.
Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is a 151-mile stretch of road along the southeastern coast of Australia, known for its stunning coastal scenery and natural landmarks. It offers breathtaking views of the ocean, cliffs, and rock formations, including the iconic Twelve Apostles rock formations. The road was built by returned soldiers between 1919 and 1932 and is considered one of the world's most scenic coastal drives. It is a popular tourist destination, offering opportunities for surfing, beachcombing, and wildlife spotting, as well as access to national parks and hiking trails.
Pros
- Stunning coastal views
- natural rock formations
- diverse wildlife
Cons
- Crowded during peak season
- narrow and winding roads
- potential for accidents
3.
Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic road that stretches for 469 miles through the Appalachian Mountains, connecting the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. Known for its breathtaking views, the parkway offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, biking, and picnicking. The route is also popular for its vibrant fall foliage and diverse wildlife. In addition to its natural beauty, the Blue Ridge Parkway is home to historic sites, cultural exhibits, and visitor centers that provide insight into the region's rich heritage.
Pros
- Stunning scenic views
- diverse wildlife
- access to hiking trails
Cons
- Limited amenities
- can be crowded during peak seasons
- potential for dangerous driving conditions
4.
Going-to-the-Sun Road
Going-to-the-Sun Road is a scenic drive that spans 50 miles through Glacier National Park in Montana, USA. It winds through the breathtaking landscapes of the park, offering stunning views of glaciers, mountains, and alpine meadows. The road is a marvel of engineering, with hairpin turns and narrow passages carved into the rugged terrain. It is a popular route for sightseeing, photography, and wildlife spotting, with opportunities to see bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and other wildlife. Going-to-the-Sun Road is a must-see for nature enthusiasts and anyone looking to experience the beauty of the American West.
Pros
- Stunning views
- access to popular hiking trails
- unique engineering
Cons
- Narrow road
- steep drop-offs
- limited parking
- traffic congestion
5.
Icefields Parkway
The Icefields Parkway is a scenic highway that winds through the Canadian Rockies, connecting Jasper National Park and Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. Stretching for 144 miles, the road offers breathtaking views of towering mountains, pristine glaciers, and crystal-clear lakes. The route is renowned for its stunning alpine landscapes and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography. The Icefields Parkway is also home to iconic attractions such as the Columbia Icefield, Athabasca Falls, and Peyto Lake, making it a must-see for visitors to the region.
Pros
- Stunning mountain scenery
- access to numerous hiking and camping opportunities
Cons
- Can be crowded in peak season
- limited services and amenities
6.
Ring Road (Iceland)
The Ring Road in Iceland, also known as Route 1, is a 1,332-kilometer road that encircles the entire island, connecting many of the country's most popular attractions and natural wonders. The road offers stunning views of Iceland's diverse landscapes, including volcanic fields, glaciers, waterfalls, and coastal cliffs. It passes through charming towns and villages, providing access to numerous hiking trails, hot springs, and other outdoor activities. Traveling the Ring Road is a popular way for visitors to experience the beauty and diversity of Iceland's natural environment.
Pros
- Efficient way to travel around Iceland
- connects major cities and attractions
Cons
- Can be crowded
- limited passing opportunities
- weather-dependent
7.
Amalfi Coast Road
The Amalfi Coast Road is a stunning and picturesque drive that winds along the rugged coastline of southern Italy. It stretches for 50 kilometers from the town of Sorrento to Salerno, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea, towering cliffs, and charming coastal villages. The road is famous for its hairpin turns, narrow passages, and dramatic scenery, making it a popular destination for travelers and road trip enthusiasts. The Amalfi Coast Road is also lined with lemon groves, vineyards, and colorful homes, adding to its allure and making it a must-see attraction for visitors to Italy.
Pros
- Stunning views
- scenic drive
- access to charming towns
Cons
- Narrow
- winding roads
- heavy traffic
- limited parking
8.
Trollstigen (Norway)
Trollstigen, also known as the Troll's Path, is a famous mountain road in Norway. It is characterized by its steep inclines, sharp turns, and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The road winds its way through the rugged terrain of the Trollstigen Pass, offering a thrilling and scenic drive for visitors. The highlight of the route is the iconic Stigfossen waterfall, which cascades down the mountainside and can be seen from a dramatic viewpoint along the road. Trollstigen is a popular tourist attraction and a must-visit destination for those exploring the Norwegian countryside.
Pros
- Stunning views
- thrilling driving experience
Cons
- Narrow and winding road
- can be crowded with tourists
9.
Cabot Trail
The Cabot Trail is a scenic highway that winds through the stunning landscapes of Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Canada. This 185-mile loop offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, lush forests, and rugged cliffs. The trail is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography. Along the route, travelers will find charming fishing villages, cultural attractions, and opportunities to experience the unique Acadian and Mi'kmaq cultures. The Cabot Trail is considered one of the most scenic drives in the world, making it a must-see for visitors to Nova Scotia.
Pros
- Stunning scenery
- outdoor activities
- cultural experiences
Cons
- Heavy tourist traffic
- limited facilities in some areas
10.
Overseas Highway
The Overseas Highway, also known as U.S. Route 1, is a 113-mile highway that connects the islands of the Florida Keys. It is a famous scenic drive that offers stunning views of the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. The highway was built on the former route of the Florida East Coast Railway, and it features 42 bridges, including the iconic Seven Mile Bridge. The Overseas Highway is a popular tourist destination, offering access to a variety of recreational activities such as fishing, snorkeling, and beachcombing. It is also a popular route for road trips and motorcycle rides.
Pros
- Stunning ocean views
- connects mainland Florida to the Florida Keys
Cons
- Can be congested with traffic
- vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms