The 7 Best Road Trips Across the World
Some journeys reward those who resist the urge to rush. Across six continents, seven scenic driving routes transform the simple act of getting from point A to point B into experiences that linger long after the odometer stops climbing. These roads wind through landscapes where dramatic coastlines meet mountain passes, and where the freedom to pull over at an unmarked viewpoint often yields the trip's most memorable moments.
This post contains affiliate links. Miimu may receive compensation from purchases you make, at no extra cost to you.
Pacific Coast Highway, California
Beyond SoCal hikes and amazing scenery, California's Highway 1 earns its reputation through sheer visual drama. The 655-mile ribbon of asphalt clings to cliffsides between Dana Point and Leggett, connecting surf towns, redwood groves, and coastal viewpoints that have appeared in countless car commercials for good reason. Big Sur's 90-mile stretch delivers the route's most celebrated section, where the Santa Lucia Mountains plunge into the Pacific and Bixby Creek Bridge spans a canyon that stops traffic with its engineering elegance.
Between San Francisco's fog-shrouded hills and Santa Monica's beach culture, drivers discover Monterey Bay's kelp forests, Hearst Castle's hilltop opulence, and the agricultural valleys that supply much of America's produce. The route transforms constantly, from rugged north coast timber country to southern California's palm-lined boulevards.
What's the best season to drive the Pacific Coast Highway? Late spring through fall offers clearest skies and warmest temperatures, with September and October providing excellent conditions as summer crowds thin and golden afternoon light enhances coastal photography.
Do I need reservations for Big Sur lodging? Absolutely, particularly during peak summer months when limited accommodation options fill months ahead, and even roadside campgrounds in state parks reach capacity on weekends.
Can I drive the entire PCH route in one day? Technically yes, as the full distance takes roughly 10 hours of continuous driving, but rushing past Monterey's aquarium, Pfeiffer Beach's purple sand, and countless ocean pullouts defeats the route's unhurried spirit.
Is Highway 1 suitable for RVs and large vehicles? Most sections accommodate standard RVs, though some Big Sur curves tighten considerably, and parking limitations at popular stops like McWay Falls may require advanced planning or alternative viewing strategies.
Ring Road, Iceland
The Iceland Route 1 loops 828 miles around the island's perimeter, stitching together every major settlement except the remote Westfjords while passing waterfalls, glaciers, and volcanic fields that seem designed specifically to test camera battery life. Completed in 1974 when the final Skeiðará river bridge opened, the circuit remains Iceland's lifeline, connecting capital to countryside through landscapes that shift from black sand beaches to moss-covered lava fields within single driving segments.
The south coast delivers early highlights, Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls cascade within minutes of the main road, while Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon presents surreal tableaus of icebergs drifting toward the Atlantic. Eastern fjords require patience as the road weaves in and out of coastal indentations, but reward drivers with quiet fishing villages and reindeer sightings. Northern sections pass Lake Mývatn's geothermal areas and Goðafoss waterfall before western regions close the loop through agricultural lands.
What's the minimum time needed to drive Iceland's Ring Road? Most travelers allocate 7 to 10 days for comfortable pacing, allowing time for hikes, weather delays, and detours to attractions like the Golden Circle that lie just off the main circuit.
Should I rent a 4WD vehicle for the Ring Road? Standard cars handle paved Route 1 adequately during summer months, but 4WD vehicles provide access to interior F-roads and essential winter traction when snow or ice affect driving conditions.
Is the Iceland Ring Road open year-round? Yes, though winter storms between October and May can temporarily close mountain passes, and the Icelandic Road Administration maintains active road monitoring that travelers should consult daily when planning itineraries.
How do I handle single-lane bridges on the Ring Road? Vehicles approaching the bridge first have right-of-way, requiring opposite direction traffic to wait at designated stopping points, a system that works smoothly when drivers remain attentive and courteous.
Great Ocean Road, Australia
World War I soldiers built Australia's Great Ocean Road between 1919 and 1932 as both memorial and engineering marvel, carving 150 miles of clifftop highway along Victoria's wild southern coast. The route showcases nature's sculptural abilities through the Twelve Apostles, limestone stacks rising from the Southern Ocean that have become Australia's most photographed coastal formation despite ongoing erosion constantly reshaping their silhouettes.
Between Torquay's surf beaches and Allansford's pastoral countryside, the road threads through Lorne's Mediterranean-style charm, Apollo Bay's fishing harbor heritage, and Port Campbell's shipwreck coast history. Inland detours reach Great Otway National Park's temperate rainforests and cascading waterfalls, while coastal sections pass Kennett River's wild koala populations and Childers Cove's lesser-known limestone formations that rival their famous neighbors without the crowds.
What's the best base town for exploring the Great Ocean Road? Lorne and Apollo Bay both offer central locations with accommodation variety, dining options, and easy access to coastal attractions and Otway hinterland trails for multi-day stays.
When should I visit to see whales along the Great Ocean Road? Southern right and humpback whales migrate past Victoria's coast between June and September, with July and August providing peak viewing from clifftop lookouts and boat tour departures.
Is the Great Ocean Road accessible for people with limited mobility? Yes, the Twelve Apostles viewing platform offers level access, several beaches maintain accessibility infrastructure, and specialized tour operators accommodate wheelchair users through adapted vehicles and experienced guides.
How far is the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne? Torquay, the official starting point, lies 103 kilometers southwest of Melbourne, roughly 90 minutes by car under normal traffic conditions along the Princes Freeway and Geelong Ring Road.
Route 66, USA
Route 66 achieved mythical status by accident, transforming from practical 1926 transportation corridor into symbol of American freedom, mobility, and roadside entrepreneurship. Though officially decommissioned in 1985 when interstate highways replaced its function, the Mother Road's 2,448-mile ghost still haunts eight states between Chicago and Los Angeles, preserved through state historic designations, restoration projects, and enthusiasts who maintain vintage motels, diners, and gas stations.
Surviving segments reveal layers of automotive history, from 1920s brick paving to 1940s neon signs and 1960s Space Age architecture. Williams, Arizona, the last town bypassed by Interstate 40 in 1984, Tucumcari, New Mexico's preserved motor court row, and the Wigwam Motel's concrete teepees in Holbrook and San Bernardino demonstrate how roadside business adapted to automobile tourism before chain hotels standardized the American landscape.
How much of original Route 66 can still be driven today? Roughly 85% remains accessible through various alignments, though piecing together continuous segments requires careful navigation using specialty maps and guidebooks that identify surviving portions bypassed by interstates.
What's the most authentic Route 66 experience? The stretch between Seligman and Topock in Arizona preserves 158 miles of original roadway, vintage Burma-Shave signs, and family-run businesses that have served travelers since the highway's golden era.
Should I drive Route 66 east to west or west to east? Most travelers prefer westbound journeys from Chicago toward Los Angeles, following historical migration patterns and building anticipation toward California, though route direction ultimately proves less important than allowing adequate time.
How long does it take to drive the full Route 66? Plan minimum two weeks for a meaningful journey allowing time for museum visits, photo stops, and conversations with business owners who preserve their parents' and grandparents' roadside legacies.
Amalfi Coast, Italy
The Amalfi Coast's 40-kilometer UNESCO World Heritage shoreline between Positano and Vietri sul Mare achieves near-vertical organization, stacking pastel villages, terraced lemon groves, and medieval churches above the Tyrrhenian Sea on cliffs that leave little room for the Strada Statale 163 road threading between them. Built in the 1850s, this engineering marvel twists through 1,500 curves while connecting former maritime republic ports that once dominated Mediterranean trade.
Positano's cascade of colorful houses and ceramic-domed churches, Amalfi's cathedral square and paper-making heritage, and Ravello's hilltop gardens with infinity terrace views represent the region's most celebrated stops. But smaller villages like Atrani (Italy's smallest municipality), Cetara's fishing harbor, and Furore's fjord beach reward drivers who resist the urge to rush between famous names.
When's the best time to visit the Amalfi Coast? April through June and September through October offer pleasant weather, manageable crowds, and shoulder-season pricing, while July and August bring peak tourism, traffic congestion, and accommodation premiums throughout the region.
How do I navigate the Amalfi Coast's narrow roads? Buses and cars share the single-lane Amalfi Drive, requiring defensive driving, patience at blind curves, and willingness to reverse when meeting larger vehicles, making many visitors choose chauffeur services or public transport.
Can I visit the Amalfi Coast on a budget? Yes, staying in towns like Maiori or Minori rather than Positano, using public buses and ferries, shopping at local markets, and visiting during shoulder seasons significantly reduces costs while maintaining authentic experiences.
What's the Path of the Gods hike? This 7.8-kilometer trail between Agerola and Positano follows ancient mule tracks 600 meters above sea level, offering spectacular coastal panoramas that justify its mythological name through vertigo-inducing cliffside sections.
Check out more signature Italian hikes with our Miimu favorites.
Garden Route, South Africa
South Africa's 190-mile Garden Route connects Mossel Bay and Storms River along the southern coast where Indian Ocean waves meet the Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma mountains, creating microclimates that support fynbos diversity, indigenous forests, and year-round mild weather. Added to the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves in 2017, the region balances conservation with tourism through national parks, private reserves, and coastal towns that have attracted visitors since the late 19th century.
Knysna's lagoon and oyster farms, Plettenberg Bay's beach resorts and whale watching, and Wilderness National Park's lakes and hiking trails anchor the central coast. Detours reach Oudtshoorn's ostrich farms and Cango Caves in the arid Klein Karoo, while eastern sections arrive at Tsitsikamma National Park's suspension bridges, forest trails, and Africa's highest commercial bungee jump at Bloukrans Bridge.
What's the best way to experience the Garden Route? Self-drive itineraries provide maximum flexibility for exploring coastal towns, hiking trails, and wildlife reserves at individual pace, though guided tours offer expertise for spotting marine life and accessing remote locations.
When should I visit for whale watching on the Garden Route? Southern right and humpback whales migrate along the coast between June and November, with September and October providing peak sighting opportunities from shore-based viewing points and boat tours.
Is the Garden Route malaria-free? Yes, the entire coastal corridor and Klein Karoo carry no malaria risk, making the region ideal for families and travelers avoiding antimalarial medication while still experiencing African wildlife and landscapes.
How far is the Garden Route from Cape Town? Mossel Bay, the western starting point, lies 400 kilometers east of Cape Town, roughly 4.5 hours' drive along the N2 highway through Overberg wine regions and coastal mountain passes.
North Coast 500, Scotland
Scotland's 516-mile answer to Route 66 launched in 2015 to boost Highland tourism by circling from Inverness through Wester Ross, Sutherland, Caithness, and Black Isle in a counterclockwise loop that showcases everything from sandy beaches and whisky distilleries to Munro peaks and Bronze Age archaeological sites. The relatively new route follows existing roads but markets them collectively as Britain's ultimate road trip, succeeding perhaps too well as increased traffic strains infrastructure and local communities.
The west coast Wester Ross section delivers the NC500's most dramatic scenery through Applecross Pass (Bealach na Bà), Torridon's ancient mountains, and Assynt's isolated geology. Northern stretches reach John O'Groats, Dunnet Head's mainland extremity, and Thurso's Viking heritage before eastern sections pass Dunrobin Castle, Dornoch's golf links, and Cromarty's Georgian architecture. Single-track roads with passing places require patience and courtesy throughout.
What's the ideal time to drive the North Coast 500? May through September offers longest daylight, warmest temperatures, and best road conditions, though June and July bring midges and peak tourism to accommodations requiring advance booking months ahead.
How long should I allocate for the NC500? Seven to ten days allows comfortable pacing with time for hiking, distillery tours, and weather delays, though condensed five-day itineraries remain possible for travelers prioritizing driving over extended stays.
Do I need a 4WD vehicle for the North Coast 500? No, standard cars handle paved Route 1 and most alternative roads adequately, though smaller vehicles navigate single-track sections more easily and some remote detours benefit from higher ground clearance.
Should I drive the NC500 clockwise or counterclockwise? Counterclockwise routing from Inverness west toward Wester Ross places vehicles in the outside lane, offering better ocean views and safer passing, while clockwise approaches favor mountain vistas on approaches.
Plan Your Next Road Trip Discovery with Miimu
These seven scenic routes represent starting points for your own driving adventures rather than definitive experiences to check off lists. Don't let this curated collection disappear when you close your browser. Create a Miimu profile to organize these destination ideas alongside your own research, notes, and booking confirmations. Build living travel bundles you can update anytime, share with travel companions, and access from any device without re-searching the same information repeatedly.