There’s something magical about the open road—the freedom, the wind in your hair, and the kind of views that make you want to pull over just to soak it all in. Road trips are about more than just getting from point A to point B; they’re about the journey, the unexpected stops, and the memories made along the way.
If you’re dreaming of a road trip that feels like a movie, these are the 10 most scenic drives in the world that you absolutely need on your bucket list. Each one offers something unforgettable—dramatic coastlines, winding mountain paths, lush forests, and landscapes that look like they’ve been pulled from a dream.
1. Pacific Coast Highway – California, USA
Stretching along the California coast from San Diego to San Francisco (and even beyond), the Pacific Coast Highway—also known as Highway 1—is the ultimate West Coast road trip. With cliffs plunging into the Pacific Ocean, golden beaches, redwood forests, and charming towns like Carmel and Monterey, this route delivers nonstop beauty.
Make time for Big Sur, where the road winds between towering mountains and endless ocean views. It’s pure California magic.
2. Amalfi Coast Road – Italy
If you’ve ever wanted to drive through a postcard, this is your chance. The Amalfi Coast Road, or Strada Statale 163, winds through Italy’s cliff-hugging villages with the sparkling Mediterranean Sea below and lemon groves above.
Along the way, you’ll pass through picture-perfect towns like Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. It’s narrow, winding, and dramatic—but oh so worth it for the views, food, and charm.
3. Great Ocean Road – Australia
Down under in Victoria, Australia, the Great Ocean Road offers over 150 miles of coastal splendor. This drive is famous for its rugged cliffs, powerful waves, and natural rock formations like the iconic Twelve Apostles.
The route also takes you through cozy beach towns, ancient rainforests, and wildlife-rich parks. Keep your eyes peeled—you might spot koalas in the trees or kangaroos by the roadside.
4. Ring Road – Iceland
For the adventurer at heart, Iceland’s Ring Road (Route 1) is a must. This 800-mile loop circles the island, revealing an ever-changing landscape of volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, black sand beaches, and lava fields.
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls like Skógafoss or soaking in a hot spring under the Northern Lights, this road feels like driving through another planet.
5. Cabot Trail – Nova Scotia, Canada
Set on Cape Breton Island, the Cabot Trail is one of Canada’s most breathtaking coastal drives. With views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, rolling highlands, and dramatic cliffs, it’s a stunning blend of land and sea.
The trail is especially dazzling in autumn when the fall foliage paints the entire landscape in vibrant reds and golds. Add in local seafood and charming fishing villages, and you’ve got a trip to remember.
6. Chapman’s Peak Drive – South Africa
This short but unforgettable stretch near Cape Town, South Africa, is often called one of the most beautiful drives in the world. Chapman’s Peak Drive hugs the cliffs between Hout Bay and Noordhoek, with sharp turns and sheer drops to the Atlantic Ocean below.
It’s only about five miles long, but you’ll want to take your time—each curve reveals another jaw-dropping view. Ideal at sunset, when the sky and sea light up in gold.
7. Trollstigen – Norway
Norway’s Trollstigen, or “Troll’s Path,” is a winding mountain road that feels like a roller coaster through the clouds. With eleven hairpin bends and steep inclines, it’s an exhilarating drive surrounded by waterfalls, deep valleys, and rugged peaks.
At the top, a viewing platform offers panoramic views that will take your breath away—literally and figuratively.
8. Route 40 – Argentina
If you crave wide-open spaces and dramatic landscapes, Route 40 in Argentina is the answer. Running over 3,000 miles along the spine of the Andes, this legendary highway takes you through deserts, lakes, national parks, and remote mountain towns.
It’s a wild, untamed drive best suited for those looking to venture off the beaten path—and see Argentina’s raw beauty up close.
9. The Garden Route – South Africa
South Africa’s Garden Route is a lush, vibrant road trip stretching from Mossel Bay to Storms River. Along the way, you’ll cruise through green forests, lagoons, cliffs, and stunning coastal scenery.
You can hike in Tsitsikamma National Park, bungee jump from Bloukrans Bridge, or spot whales along the coast. It’s the perfect mix of nature, adventure, and relaxation.
10. Furka Pass – Switzerland
Welcome to the Swiss Alps’ most legendary road. The Furka Pass zigzags through snow-dusted mountains and past icy rivers at an altitude of 2,429 meters (7,969 feet). If it looks familiar, it might be because James Bond sped through here in Goldfinger.
It’s a short drive, but every inch is packed with jaw-dropping alpine beauty, sweeping turns, and views that feel larger than life. Just be sure to visit in summer—the road is closed in winter due to heavy snow.
Start Your Engines—The World Awaits
Each of these scenic drives offers more than just beautiful views—they offer stories, adventures, and moments that stay with you long after the trip ends. Whether you’re cruising along the ocean, weaving through mountain passes, or discovering new cultures from behind the wheel, these roads connect you with the world in the most unforgettable way.
So go ahead, map it out, hit the road, and make your travel dreams come alive—one scenic mile at a time.
