Nothing beats the thrill of a road trip—the open road, breathtaking landscapes, and the freedom to explore at your own pace. Whether you’re chasing coastal views, mountain escapes, or charming small towns, road trips offer the ultimate adventure.
But with so many amazing destinations, where should you go? From iconic highways to hidden gems, the best road trip places offer scenic beauty, exciting attractions, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, there’s a perfect route waiting for you.
In this guide, we’ll explore must-visit road trip destinations, covering everything from classic American highways to off-the-beaten-path adventures worldwide. Pack your bags, fuel up, and get ready for the ultimate journey!
1. Best Road Trip Routes in the USA
Pacific Coast Highway (California, USA)
- Route: San Francisco → Los Angeles → San Diego
- Highlights:
- Bixby Bridge & Big Sur’s dramatic coastline
- Monterey’s famous 17-Mile Drive
- Santa Barbara’s beaches & vineyards
- The scenic Malibu coastline
Route 66 (USA)
- Route: Chicago → Los Angeles
- Highlights:
- Classic diners and motels from the 1950s
- Cadillac Ranch in Texas (graffiti-covered cars)
- Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona
- Santa Monica Pier, the official end of Route 66
Blue Ridge Parkway (USA)
- Route: Virginia → North Carolina
- Highlights:
- Breathtaking Appalachian Mountain views
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Vibrant fall foliage in autumn
- Scenic hiking trails and waterfalls
Going-to-the-Sun Road (Montana, USA)
- Route: Glacier National Park
- Highlights:
- Towering mountains and alpine lakes
- Logan Pass (highest point of the road)
- Wildlife spotting (bears, mountain goats)
- Stunning views of Glacier National Park
Overseas Highway (Florida, USA)
- Route: Miami → Key West
- Highlights:
- 42 bridges over crystal-clear waters
- Key Largo’s coral reefs (great for snorkeling)
- Sunset celebrations in Key West
- White sandy beaches and tropical vibes
2. Best Road Trips in Europe
The Romantic Road (Germany)
- Route: Würzburg → Füssen
- Highlights:
- Fairytale castles like Neuschwanstein Castle
- Medieval villages with half-timbered houses
- Scenic Bavarian countryside
- Delicious German beer and bratwurst
Amalfi Coast Drive (Italy)
- Route: Sorrento → Positano → Amalfi → Ravello
- Highlights:
- Clifftop villages with breathtaking sea views
- Colorful Positano & historic Amalfi
- Fresh seafood and Italian gelato
- Beautiful beaches and hiking trails
Ring Road (Iceland)
- Route: A full circle around Iceland
- Highlights:
- Geysers, waterfalls, and glaciers
- Black sand beaches at Reynisfjara
- The stunning Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
- Northern Lights in winter months
North Coast 500 (Scotland)
- Route: Inverness → Scotland’s northern coastline
- Highlights:
- Dramatic Scottish Highlands scenery
- Loch Ness (home of the famous monster)
- Castles, rugged cliffs, and distilleries
- Empty, winding roads perfect for driving
French Riviera Road Trip (France)
- Route: Nice → Monaco → Cannes → Saint-Tropez
- Highlights:
- Luxury yachts & casinos in Monte Carlo
- Beautiful beaches & lavender fields
- Glamorous Cannes Film Festival location
- Charming seaside villages
3. Best Road Trips in Australia & New Zealand
Great Ocean Road (Australia)
- Route: Melbourne → Port Campbell
- Highlights:
- The iconic Twelve Apostles rock formations
- Scenic coastal cliffs and beaches
- Rainforest walks and waterfalls
- Surfing towns like Torquay
Tasmanian East Coast Drive (Australia)
- Route: Hobart → Bay of Fires → Launceston
- Highlights:
- Wineglass Bay’s stunning white sand
- Freycinet National Park’s hikes and wildlife
- Bright red granite rocks at Bay of Fires
- Fresh seafood and local vineyards
South Island Road Trip (New Zealand)
- Route: Christchurch → Queenstown → Milford Sound
- Highlights:
- The stunning Southern Alps
- Fiordland National Park & Milford Sound
- Queenstown’s adventure sports
- Lake Tekapo’s turquoise waters and starry skies
North Island Road Trip (New Zealand)
- Route: Auckland → Rotorua → Wellington
- Highlights:
- The geothermal hot springs of Rotorua
- Hobbiton movie set from Lord of the Rings
- Glowworm caves in Waitomo
- Maori cultural experiences
4. Best Road Trips in Asia
The Great Himalayan Road (India)
- Route: Manali → Leh
- Highlights:
- High-altitude passes with breathtaking mountain views
- Buddhist monasteries in Ladakh
- Stunning turquoise lakes like Pangong Lake
- Thrilling, challenging roads
Hai Van Pass (Vietnam)
- Route: Da Nang → Hue
- Highlights:
- Coastal views of the South China Sea
- Lush jungle-covered mountains
- Historic ruins of Hue Imperial City
- Motorbike-friendly scenic road
Japan’s Golden Route
- Route: Tokyo → Kyoto → Osaka
- Highlights:
- Mount Fuji and the scenic countryside
- Ancient temples and shrines in Kyoto
- Delicious street food in Osaka
- Cherry blossom viewing in spring
5. Best Road Trips in South America
Patagonia Road Trip (Argentina & Chile)
- Route: Carretera Austral (Chile) & Ruta 40 (Argentina)
- Highlights:
- Towering Andean mountains and glaciers
- The breathtaking Torres del Paine National Park
- Remote, untouched landscapes
- Stunning wildlife, including guanacos and condors
Pan-American Highway (Multiple Countries)
- Route: Alaska → Argentina (longest road trip in the world!)
- Highlights:
- Tropical rainforests, deserts, and mountains
- Andean culture and Incan ruins
- The beautiful Atacama Desert in Chile
- Endless adventure possibilities
FAQs
1. What is the best road trip in the USA?
- Pacific Coast Highway, Route 66, Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Overseas Highway are top choices.
2. What is the most scenic road trip in Europe?
- The Amalfi Coast, Iceland’s Ring Road, and Scotland’s North Coast 500 are stunning routes.
3. How do I plan a long road trip?
- Map your route, book accommodations, check car maintenance, and pack essentials.
4. What are must-have road trip essentials?
- A GPS or offline maps, snacks, a first-aid kit, car emergency tools, and a travel playlist.
5. What is the best time of year for a road trip?
- Spring and fall have mild weather and fewer crowds.
6. How do I save money on a road trip?
- Camp instead of hotels, cook meals, and use fuel-saving driving techniques.
7. What is the longest road trip in the world?
- The Pan-American Highway (19,000 miles from Alaska to Argentina).
8. Can I road trip in a rental car?
- Yes! Just check rental restrictions on cross-border travel.
9. How do I find great road trip stops?
- Use Google Maps, Roadtrippers, or travel blogs for recommendations.
10. What should I do if my car breaks down on a road trip?
- Have roadside assistance, a spare tire, and emergency contacts ready.