The Best Road Trips to Take

There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road, windows down, tunes playing, and a world of adventure ahead. Road trips offer a unique way to experience new places, allowing you to soak in the sights and immerse yourself in the journey just as much as the destination. Whether you're winding through rugged coastlines, cruising along desert landscapes, or zigzagging through mountainous terrains, road trips present an ideal opportunity for exploration. If you’re planning your next great escape, here’s a rundown of the best road trips to take in the world, each with its own distinct charm and appeal.

1. Pacific Coast Highway (California, USA)

The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), also known as Highway 1, is a classic road trip that runs along California’s stunning coastline. This 655-mile journey takes you from Southern California’s beaches up to the rugged cliffs of Big Sur and beyond. The route passes through charming coastal towns like Monterey, Santa Barbara, and Malibu, while offering unparalleled views of the Pacific Ocean, rocky bluffs, and towering redwoods.

Highlights include the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge in Big Sur, the glamorous streets of Santa Monica, and the rugged beauty of Point Lobos State Reserve. If you’re looking for adventure, stop by Hearst Castle for a dose of history or Carmel-by-the-Sea for art galleries and quaint cafes.

Best time to go: Spring and fall offer the best weather, but summer is also great if you don’t mind a few more tourists.

2. Great Ocean Road (Australia)

Stretching 151 miles along the southeastern coast of Australia, the Great Ocean Road is widely regarded as one of the most scenic drives in the world. This winding road takes travelers from Torquay to Allansford, offering panoramic views of the Southern Ocean, pristine beaches, and unique rock formations.

The most famous sight along the route is the Twelve Apostles, towering limestone stacks that rise dramatically from the sea. The road also passes through the lush rainforests of Great Otway National Park, where waterfalls and wildlife sightings add to the experience. Don't miss a stop at the charming seaside village of Lorne, where you can relax at the beach or explore the local markets.

Best time to go: Visit between November and March to enjoy warm temperatures and long days.

3. Route 66 (USA)

Nicknamed the "Main Street of America," Route 66 is perhaps the most iconic road trip in the world. Spanning over 2,400 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, this historic route offers a nostalgic glimpse of small-town America, complete with vintage motels, diners, and quirky roadside attractions.

Route 66 takes you through a wide variety of landscapes, from the farmlands of Illinois and the flat plains of Oklahoma to the deserts of Arizona and the bustling streets of Los Angeles. Don’t miss stops like the Cadillac Ranch in Texas, the neon signs of Albuquerque, and the Petrified Forest National Park.

Best time to go: Spring and fall are the best times to travel this route, as the summer heat can be intense, especially in the desert areas.

4. Ring Road (Iceland)

Iceland’s Ring Road, or Route 1, circles the entire island, offering travelers a full tour of the country’s incredible natural beauty. Covering over 800 miles, this road trip is a dream for nature lovers, taking you past glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls, fjords, and black sand beaches.

Some must-see stops include the breathtaking Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, the geothermal wonderland of Mývatn, and the otherworldly landscapes of the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Along the way, you’ll have opportunities to soak in natural hot springs, hike through lava fields, and even spot puffins during the summer months.

Best time to go: Summer (June to August) offers the best weather and the midnight sun, but fall and winter bring the chance to see the Northern Lights.

5. Garden Route (South Africa)

For a road trip that combines stunning natural landscapes with diverse wildlife and vibrant cultures, South Africa’s Garden Route is hard to beat. Running about 190 miles from Mossel Bay to Storms River, this drive takes you through lush forests, golden beaches, and rolling hills, all while offering incredible wildlife encounters.

Highlights include the Tsitsikamma National Park, where you can hike along the coast or bungee jump from the Bloukrans Bridge, and Knysna, known for its beautiful lagoon and delicious oysters. You’ll also have the chance to see elephants, lions, and other African wildlife at nearby game reserves.

Best time to go: The Garden Route is a year-round destination, but spring (September to November) is ideal for whale watching.

6. North Coast 500 (Scotland)

Scotland’s North Coast 500 is often referred to as the Scottish equivalent of Route 66, and for good reason. This 516-mile loop through the Scottish Highlands offers some of the most dramatic scenery in Europe, with rugged coastlines, towering mountains, and historic castles dotting the landscape.

Start your journey in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, and head northwest through quaint fishing villages, past ancient ruins, and along scenic coastal cliffs. Don’t miss a stop at Dunrobin Castle, Smoo Cave, or the fairy-tale-like Eilean Donan Castle.

Best time to go: Visit between May and September for the best weather, although be prepared for occasional rain.

7. Milford Road (New Zealand)

New Zealand’s Milford Road is a journey that transports travelers through some of the most breathtaking landscapes on earth. This 144-mile drive runs from Te Anau to Milford Sound in the heart of Fiordland National Park, offering jaw-dropping views of towering peaks, lush rainforests, and cascading waterfalls.

Milford Sound itself is often called the "Eighth Wonder of the World", with its dramatic cliffs rising out of the fjord. Along the way, you’ll pass through the Homer Tunnel, hike to the stunning Mirror Lakes, and see the rushing waters of the Chasm.

Best time to go: Summer (December to February) offers the most daylight, but the road is accessible year-round.

8. Amalfi Coast Drive (Italy)

Italy’s Amalfi Coast is famous for its dramatic cliffs, pastel-colored villages, and crystal-clear waters. The SS163 is a narrow, winding road that hugs the coastline from Sorrento to Salerno, offering sweeping views of the Mediterranean and plenty of opportunities to stop and explore charming towns like Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello.

Along the way, you’ll encounter terraced vineyards, lemon groves, and ancient Roman ruins. Be sure to stop at Villa Rufolo in Ravello for its stunning gardens and views, and take a boat tour from Amalfi to see the coast from a different perspective.

Best time to go: Visit in spring (April to June) or early fall (September) to avoid the summer crowds and enjoy milder weather.

9. The Wild Atlantic Way (Ireland)

The Wild Atlantic Way is Ireland’s longest defined coastal touring route, stretching over 1,500 miles along the country’s rugged west coast. Starting in the town of Kinsale in County Cork and ending in Derry in Northern Ireland, this road trip takes you through some of the most beautiful and dramatic landscapes Ireland has to offer.

Expect to see windswept cliffs, sandy beaches, and ancient castles, with highlights including the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, and the Dingle Peninsula. The friendly Irish towns along the way, like Galway and Westport, offer plenty of opportunities to experience local culture, music, and food.

Best time to go: Summer (June to August) is the most popular time, but early fall brings fewer crowds and pleasant weather.

10. Ruta 40 (Argentina)

Argentina’s Ruta 40 is one of the longest highways in the world, stretching over 3,100 miles from the northern border with Bolivia to the southern tip of the country in Patagonia. This epic road trip takes you through some of Argentina’s most diverse landscapes, from arid deserts to snow-capped mountains and lush vineyards.

Highlights include the Andes Mountains, the Seven Lakes Route near Bariloche, and the awe-inspiring Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park. Along the way, you’ll also pass through charming towns like San Martín de los Andes and El Chaltén, known for their hiking opportunities and stunning natural beauty.

Best time to go: Spring (October to November) and fall (March to May) offer the best weather for exploring Patagonia.

Whether you’re cruising along the rugged coastlines of California, soaking in the dramatic scenery of the Scottish Highlands, or exploring the glaciers of Argentina, these road trips offer incredible opportunities to see the world from a different perspective. So, pack your bags, fuel up the car, and hit the road for an unforgettable adventure!