The Best Scenic Drives in the World: Unforgettable Journeys to Add to Your Bucket List

Creating memories while travelling is often enhanced by the routes taken. Scenic drives offer stunning views, unique landscapes, and a chance to connect with nature. The best scenic drives in the world provide unforgettable vistas that make the journey as enjoyable as the destination itself.

From the dramatic cliffs of the Pacific Coast Highway in California to the serene beauty of the Ring Road in Iceland, these routes showcase diverse terrains and cultural experiences. Adventurers seeking breathtaking scenery will find that each drive offers something special, whether it be winding roads through mountains or coastal panoramas.

For those who appreciate the art of travel, exploring these scenic routes is essential. The world is filled with paths that not only lead to charming towns and hidden gems but also leave travellers in awe of nature’s grandeur.

Epic Journeys Across Continents

Experiencing some of the world’s most stunning landscapes can be achieved through scenic drives that showcase nature’s beauty. The following drives offer a remarkable blend of vistas, unique experiences, and adventure through diverse terrains.

The Legendary Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road in Australia stretches for 243 kilometres along the southwestern coast of Victoria. This iconic route features breathtaking coastal views, surf beaches, and monumental rock formations, such as the Twelve Apostles.

Noteworthy points along the way include the quirky town of Lorne and the lush rainforests of Great Otway National Park. Visitors can also enjoy numerous lookouts and beaches, making it perfect for leisurely stops and explorations.

Wildlife enthusiasts can spot koalas and kangaroos in their natural habitats. The Great Ocean Road provides a striking blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences that should not be missed.

The Panoramic Icefields Parkway

Located in Canada, the Icefields Parkway connects Jasper and Banff national parks, covering around 232 kilometres of breathtaking scenery. Recognised as one of the most scenic drives globally, it features numerous glaciers, turquoise lakes, and majestic mountains.

Key attractions along the route include Athabasca Falls and the Columbia Icefield, where visitors can take guided tours of the glacier. Various viewpoints allow travellers to capture the stunning landscapes, including the iconic Peyto Lake.

Wildlife is abundant in this region, with opportunities to see elk, black bears, and bighorn sheep. The Icefields Parkway offers an unforgettable journey through Canada’s pristine wilderness.

Patagonia’s Remote Ruta 40

Ruta 40 is a legendary highway in Argentina that runs for approximately 5,000 kilometres, traversing some of the most remote landscapes in Patagonia. This road provides access to stunning national parks, diverse ecosystems, and the vibrant culture of Patagonia.

Along the route, highlights include the towering peaks of Monte Fitz Roy and the expansive landscapes of Los Glaciares National Park. The diverse wildlife, including guanacos and Andean condors, adds to the allure of this driving experience.

Driving along Ruta 40 allows for encounters with quaint towns and local communities, enriching the journey with cultural insights. The remoteness and raw beauty of Patagonia appeal to adventurous travellers seeking a unique road trip.

The Majestic Karakoram Highway

The Karakoram Highway, often referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World, connects Pakistan and China, spanning about 1,300 kilometres. This stunning road offers breathtaking views of the towering Karakoram mountain range and some of the highest peaks on Earth.

Key landmarks include the lush Hunza Valley and the majestic Nanga Parbat, which captivates travellers with its striking beauty. The road also presents unique cultural experiences, as it passes through diverse villages with rich traditions.

Challenging terrains and impressive engineering feats characterise this highway, making it an adventure for experienced drivers. The Karakoram Highway represents one of the most remarkable journeys available in the world today.

Coastal Cruises and Beachside Views

Coastal drives offer breathtaking views, winding roads, and the chance to experience stunning beaches and dramatic cliffs. Here are some of the world’s most renowned coastal routes that showcase nature’s beauty.

South Africa’s Chapman’s Peak Drive

Chapman’s Peak Drive, located in Cape Town, is famous for its panoramic vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. This 9-kilometre route winds along steep cliffs and offers numerous viewpoints. Visitors can stop at designated lookout points to capture the stunning scenery.

Key highlights:

• Dramatic ocean views
• Unique rock formations
• The opportunity to spot marine wildlife, such as dolphins and seals

This drive is particularly scenic at sunset when the sky transforms into shades of orange and pink.

California’s Iconic Highway 1

Highway 1, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway, stretches 655 miles along California’s coast. It provides spectacular views of rugged cliffs and vast ocean expanses, especially around Big Sur. The road features well-known stops like Hearst Castle and Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Must-see locations include:

• Bixby Creek Bridge: An iconic landmark
• Pfeiffer Beach: Known for its unique purple sand
• Big Sur’s scenic pullouts for photography

This route is perfect for leisurely drives, allowing drivers to appreciate the stunning landscape at their own pace.

Amalfi Coast’s Strada Statale 163

The Amalfi Coast’s Strada Statale 163 is renowned for its picturesque beauty and cultural charm. This coastal road connects the charming towns of Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. The dramatic cliffs rise sharply from the Tyrrhenian Sea, creating a striking backdrop.

Highlights along the route include:

• Positano’s colourful cliffside houses
• Amalfi Cathedral’s stunning architecture
• Lush Mediterranean vegetation

Visitors can explore quaint shops and indulge in local cuisine, making the drive a sensory experience.

New Zealand’s Scenic Milford Road

Milford Road, leading to Milford Sound, showcases some of New Zealand’s most breathtaking landscapes. This 120-kilometre route features towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, and dense rainforests. The road is notable for its stunning views of the Fiordland National Park.

Key features:

• The Homer Tunnel: A remarkable engineering feat
• The Mirror Lakes: Stunning reflections of the surrounding mountains
• Rooted hiking trails that highlight the area’s natural beauty

Milford Road provides a gateway to the majestic fjords, attracting adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.

Through Mountains and Valleys

This section highlights some of the most scenic drives that wind through stunning mountain landscapes and lush valleys. Each route offers unique vistas and an unforgettable experience for those who appreciate nature’s grandeur.

The Breathtaking Trollstigen

Trollstigen, located in Norway, is renowned for its dramatic hairpin bends and stunning views. The road, which translates to “Troll’s Path,” ascends steeply through the Rauma Valley, providing panoramic vistas of snow-capped peaks and waterfalls.

Drivers can stop at several viewing platforms along the way. The most famous viewpoint offers a spectacular overlook of the twisting road and surrounding fjords. Each turn reveals new surprises, making this drive a memorable highlight of Norway’s scenic routes.

Exploring Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park in Canada is home to the Icefields Parkway, often cited as one of the world’s most beautiful drives. This scenic route spans 232 kilometres, connecting Jasper to Banff while traversing through stunning mountain ranges and pristine glacial lakes.

The drive features breathtaking views of the Columbia Icefield and the vibrant turquoise waters of Peyto Lake. Along the way, wildlife sightings are common, including elk and bears. This journey is essential for anyone exploring the Canadian Rockies.

The Hairpins of Transfagarasan Highway

Transfagarasan Highway in Romania is celebrated for its stunning curves and mountainous terrain. Often regarded as one of the best driving roads in the world, it spans 90 kilometres through the Fagaras Mountains.

The route features numerous hairpin turns and high-altitude passes, with many lookout points offering breathtaking views over the valleys below. The surrounding landscape is rugged and picturesque, with lush forests and clear mountain streams. Adventurous drivers will appreciate both the challenge and the scenery.

Mountain Vistas Along the Seward Highway

The Seward Highway in Alaska runs between Anchorage and Seward, offering breathtaking views of mountains, forests, and coastal waters. This route spans 125 kilometres and is known for its incredible scenery, particularly along Turnagain Arm.

Travelers can spot wildlife such as moose and beluga whales from various pull-outs. The striking backdrop of the Chugach Mountains enhances the drive. Additionally, several hiking trails intersect the highway for those wishing to explore the area further.