There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road, discovering breathtaking landscapes, and embracing the freedom of travel. Whether you’re looking for coastal escapes, mountain adventures, or cultural explorations, 2025 offers some of the most scenic road trips ever. Here are the top routes that promise an unforgettable journey.
1. Pacific Coast Highway, USA – The Classic Coastal Drive
Route: San Francisco to Los Angeles, California
Distance: 600 miles (965 km)
One of the most iconic road trips in the world, the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) winds along the California coastline, offering breathtaking ocean views, charming coastal towns, and rugged cliffs.
- Must-See Stops: Big Sur, Monterey, Santa Barbara, Malibu
- Best Time to Go: Spring or fall for mild weather and fewer crowds
- Highlights: Whale watching, cliffside sunsets, scenic seaside towns
2. Ring Road, Iceland – A Land of Fire and Ice
Route: A full loop around Iceland
Distance: 825 miles (1,328 km)
For adventure seekers, Iceland’s Ring Road (Route 1) offers volcanic landscapes, glaciers, waterfalls, and black sand beaches. This road trip is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, showcasing the raw beauty of Iceland.
- Must-See Stops: Skogafoss Waterfall, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, Golden Circle
- Best Time to Go: Summer for long daylight hours and easy road access
- Highlights: Northern Lights in winter, geothermal hot springs, dramatic cliffs
3. Garden Route, South Africa – A Wildlife and Coastal Paradise
Route: Cape Town to Storms River
Distance: 190 miles (300 km)
The Garden Route is a dream for nature lovers, featuring lush forests, wildlife reserves, stunning beaches, and incredible ocean views. Along the way, you can spot whales, explore caves, and go on safari.
- Must-See Stops: Knysna, Tsitsikamma National Park, Plettenberg Bay
- Best Time to Go: Spring (September to November) for wildlife sightings
- Highlights: Elephant encounters, hiking trails, coastal cliffs
4. North Coast 500, Scotland – A Rugged and Historic Drive
Route: Inverness to the Scottish Highlands
Distance: 516 miles (830 km)
Dubbed “Scotland’s Route 66,” the North Coast 500 is a dramatic road trip featuring medieval castles, rugged coastlines, and vast highland scenery. It’s perfect for those who love history and adventure.
- Must-See Stops: John O’Groats, Dunrobin Castle, Bealach na Bà
- Best Time to Go: Summer for long days and clear skies
- Highlights: Whisky distilleries, loch-side roads, mountain passes
5. Great Ocean Road, Australia – A Coastal Wonder
Route: Melbourne to Allansford
Distance: 150 miles (243 km)
This world-famous coastal route is home to the Twelve Apostles, rainforest hikes, and surf beaches. It’s a short but unforgettable road trip filled with stunning ocean scenery.
- Must-See Stops: Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Great Otway National Park
- Best Time to Go: Spring or summer for sunny days and clear skies
- Highlights: Surfing, wildlife spotting, breathtaking ocean cliffs
6. Route 66, USA – The Historic American Adventure
Route: Chicago to Santa Monica, California
Distance: 2,448 miles (3,940 km)
For those who love retro Americana, roadside diners, and historic landmarks, Route 66 is the ultimate road trip. Experience the charm of classic motels, neon signs, and vintage gas stations.
- Must-See Stops: Grand Canyon, Cadillac Ranch, Santa Fe
- Best Time to Go: Spring or fall to avoid extreme temperatures
- Highlights: Classic diners, quirky roadside attractions, desert landscapes
7. The Amalfi Coast, Italy – A Romantic Coastal Escape
Route: Sorrento to Salerno
Distance: 37 miles (60 km)
One of the most stunning coastal drives in the world, the Amalfi Coast road trip offers cliffside villages, Mediterranean views, and world-class Italian cuisine.
- Must-See Stops: Positano, Ravello, Amalfi
- Best Time to Go: Late spring or early autumn for fewer crowds
- Highlights: Seaside villages, Italian seafood, panoramic ocean views
8. Canadian Rockies, Canada – A Drive Through Nature’s Masterpiece
Route: Banff to Jasper via the Icefields Parkway
Distance: 144 miles (232 km)
A road trip through the Canadian Rockies offers snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes, and breathtaking national parks. It’s a dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Must-See Stops: Lake Louise, Athabasca Glacier, Moraine Lake
- Best Time to Go: Summer for clear roads and warm weather
- Highlights: Wildlife spotting, scenic hikes, crystal-clear lakes
9. The Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland – A Coastal Adventure
Route: Donegal to Cork
Distance: 1,553 miles (2,500 km)
This scenic route along Ireland’s western coast is packed with rugged cliffs, ancient castles, and traditional Irish culture. Perfect for those who love history and breathtaking scenery.
- Must-See Stops: Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry, Connemara
- Best Time to Go: Spring or summer for the best weather
- Highlights: Gaelic culture, pub music, coastal drives
10. Patagonia, Chile & Argentina – The Ultimate Wilderness Drive
Route: Carretera Austral (Chile) & Ruta 40 (Argentina)
Distance: 1,240 miles (2,000 km)
For a true adventure, road-tripping through Patagonia offers glaciers, remote landscapes, and breathtaking mountain scenery. It’s ideal for those who love the outdoors.
- Must-See Stops: Torres del Paine, Perito Moreno Glacier, Fitz Roy
- Best Time to Go: Summer (December to February) for milder weather
- Highlights: Remote beauty, hiking trails, national parks
Final Thoughts: Your Road Trip of a Lifetime
Road trips in 2025 are all about scenic beauty, adventure, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you prefer coastal roads, mountain passes, or cultural routes, these destinations offer the perfect journey.
