There’s something about a road trip that feels completely different from any other kind of travel. It’s not just about reaching a destination; it’s about the journey unfolding mile by mile. The landscapes shift, the pace slows, and the freedom to stop whenever something catches your eye makes the experience deeply personal.
Some routes are so scenic and immersive that the drive itself becomes the highlight. If you’re searching for the best road trips in the world, these are journeys that combine stunning scenery, meaningful stops, and unforgettable moments along the way.
Hi, I’m Phoebe Lee from Travel For Phoebe. In this guide, I’ve curated some of the best road trips in the world, with each route offering a well-rounded experience, from where to stop and what to see, to how to truly enjoy the drive.
1. Pacific Coast Highway, USA
This iconic coastal drive along the Pacific Coast Highway delivers one of the most visually rewarding journeys in the world, with dramatic cliffs, endless ocean views, and charming seaside towns.
Distance: ~1,000 km
Ideal time: 5 to 7 days
Start in Los Angeles and ease into the drive through Malibu, where beachfront homes and scenic viewpoints set the tone. Continue to Santa Barbara, a great overnight stop known for its Spanish architecture and relaxed wine culture.
As you head toward Big Sur, the scenery becomes more rugged and dramatic. Stop at Bixby Creek Bridge for panoramic views, then continue to Pfeiffer Beach for unique rock formations and purple-tinted sand. McWay Falls is another highlight, where a waterfall flows directly into the ocean.
Spend time in Monterey exploring Cannery Row and the aquarium, then drive the famous 17-Mile Drive for coastal viewpoints and the Lone Cypress tree. End in San Francisco after a scenic final stretch.
2. Sydney to Byron Bay, Australia
This coastal road trip from Sydney to Byron Bay blends laid-back beach culture, national parks, and some of Australia’s most iconic seaside towns.
Distance: ~770 km
Ideal time: 5 to 7 days
Start in Sydney and head north to the Central Coast, where quiet beaches and ocean viewpoints ease you into the journey. Continue to Port Stephens, known for its sand dunes and dolphin spotting cruises.
Drive on to Coffs Harbour, home to the famous Big Banana and beautiful coastal walks. From here, explore Yamba, a relaxed seaside town with uncrowded beaches and a slower pace.
As you approach Byron Bay, the atmosphere becomes more bohemian. Visit the Cape Byron Lighthouse for sunrise, the easternmost point of mainland Australia. Spend time beach hopping, exploring local markets, and enjoying the vibrant café scene before ending your journey.
3. Ring Road, Iceland
Ring Road is one of the most diverse road trips you can experience, with constantly changing landscapes that feel otherworldly.
Distance: ~1,332 km
Ideal time: 7 to 10 days
Starting in Reykjavik, head south to Seljalandsfoss, where you can walk behind the waterfall, and Skógafoss, known for its powerful drop and rainbows.
Continue to Reynisfjara’s black sand beach, then head east to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where icebergs drift slowly through icy waters. Nearby Diamond Beach is equally striking, with ice fragments scattered across black sand.
In the east, explore quieter fishing villages like Seyðisfjörður. As you head north, stop at Lake Mývatn for geothermal landscapes, bubbling mud pools, and volcanic craters.
Finish the loop with waterfalls like Goðafoss before returning to Reykjavik.
4. Garden Route, South Africa
The Garden Route offers a well-balanced mix of beaches, forests, lagoons, and wildlife, making every day feel different.
Distance: ~300 km
Ideal time: 4 to 6 days
Start in Mossel Bay and continue to Wilderness, known for its peaceful beaches and lagoons. Knysna is a highlight, where you can explore the waterfront and take a boat trip through the Knysna Heads.
Plettenberg Bay offers excellent beaches and seasonal whale watching. Continue to Tsitsikamma National Park, where you can walk across the Storms River suspension bridge or kayak through the gorge.
Adventure activities like ziplining and hiking add excitement, while scenic drives between stops keep the journey relaxed and enjoyable.
5. Great Ocean Road, Australia
This drive along the Great Ocean Road offers a perfect mix of coastal scenery, wildlife, and rainforest landscapes, all within a relatively short distance.
Distance: 243 km
Ideal time: 2 to 3 days
Begin in Melbourne and head to Torquay, the official start of the route and a hub for surf culture. Continue to Lorne, where you can take a short detour to Erskine Falls, hidden within lush rainforest.
Stop at Kennett River to spot wild koalas resting in eucalyptus trees. As you continue, the coastline becomes more dramatic, leading to the Twelve Apostles, best visited at sunrise or sunset.
Nearby, Loch Ard Gorge offers a quieter but equally stunning viewpoint with a fascinating shipwreck history. End your journey near Port Fairy, a charming coastal town with a relaxed atmosphere.
6. Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
Wild Atlantic Way is one of the longest and most scenic coastal drives in the world, offering rugged cliffs, charming villages, and rich cultural experiences.
Distance: ~2,500 km
Ideal time: 10 to 14 days
Begin in Kinsale, a colourful town known for its food scene, and follow the coastline west toward Cork and Kerry. The Ring of Kerry offers some of the most dramatic coastal scenery, with mountains, lakes, and winding roads.
Continue to the Dingle Peninsula, where narrow roads lead to stunning ocean views and ancient sites. Further north, the Cliffs of Moher rise dramatically above the Atlantic and are one of Ireland’s most iconic landmarks.
Explore the unique landscapes of The Burren, then continue through Galway, a lively city filled with music and culture. Finish your journey in Donegal, where remote cliffs and quiet beaches create a peaceful and unforgettable ending.
7. Amalfi Coast Drive, Italy
Amalfi Coast drive combines dramatic coastal scenery with charming villages and incredible food experiences.
Distance: ~50 km
Ideal time: 2 to 3 days
Start in Sorrento and head to Positano, where colourful houses cascade down steep cliffs. Take time to explore narrow streets filled with boutiques and cafés.
Continue to Amalfi, where you can visit the historic cathedral and enjoy a leisurely lunch by the sea. Then drive up to Ravello, known for its peaceful atmosphere and panoramic views from Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo.
Along the way, stop at scenic viewpoints and try local specialities like fresh seafood and lemon-based desserts.
8. Romantic Road, Germany
This fairytale route, Romantic Road, is filled with medieval towns, castles, and scenic countryside.
Distance: ~350 km
Ideal time: 3 to 5 days
Start in Würzburg and travel south through towns like Rothenburg ob der Tauber, where cobblestone streets and historic buildings create a timeless atmosphere.
Continue to Dinkelsbühl for a quieter but equally charming experience. The journey ends near Füssen, where Neuschwanstein Castle stands against a backdrop of mountains.
Take time to explore each town, enjoy local Bavarian cuisine, and experience the slower pace of this route.
9. Rotorua to Taupō and Napier, New Zealand
This lesser-known route from Rotorua to Taupō and Napier offers geothermal wonders, lake views, and a transition from volcanic landscapes to coastal wine country.
Distance: ~220 km
Ideal time: 2 to 3 days
Start in Rotorua, known for its bubbling mud pools, geysers, and Māori cultural experiences. Visit Wai-O-Tapu or Te Puia before heading south.
Drive to Taupō, stopping at Huka Falls, where powerful turquoise water rushes through a narrow gorge. Spend time by Lake Taupō, New Zealand’s largest lake, and consider a short cruise to see the Māori rock carvings.
Continue toward Napier, passing through changing landscapes that shift from volcanic terrain to rolling hills. Napier is famous for its Art Deco architecture and nearby vineyards in the Hawke’s Bay region.
End your journey with wine tasting, coastal walks, and a relaxed atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with the geothermal start.
10. Icefields Parkway, Canada
Icefields Parkway is one of the most scenic drives in North America, packed with natural highlights from start to finish.
Distance: ~230 km
Ideal time: 1 to 2 days
Start in Banff and visit Lake Louise early in the morning for calm waters and fewer crowds. Continue to Moraine Lake if accessible, then stop at Peyto Lake for its unique viewpoint.
Drive along the Icefields Parkway to the Columbia Icefield, where you can walk on a glacier or visit the Skywalk. Stop at Athabasca Falls for a powerful waterfall experience.
End in Jasper, where you can explore Maligne Lake or spot wildlife in the surrounding areas.
Start Your Next Road Trip Adventure
Road trips offer a way to experience travel that feels personal, flexible, and deeply rewarding. You are not just visiting destinations, you are connecting them through the journey itself.
If you’re planning your next adventure, these are some of the best road trips in the world to add to your bucket list. For more travel inspiration, detailed guides, and practical tips, explore my blog Travel For Phoebe. I also share travel videos and real experiences on my YouTube channel to help you plan better and travel smarter.
Start mapping your route and get ready to experience the journey!