Best Scenic Drives and Road Trips
Road trips are an incredible way to explore new places, meet exciting people, and make lasting memories. Few things bring people together like an adventure on the open road. Whether it’s a solo journey or a family outing, there is something magical about hitting the road and exploring uncharted territories. One of the best aspects of being out on the road is witnessing nature’s most exquisite views. Whether you’re driving through snowcapped mountains, rolling hills, majestic coastlines, limestone caves or otherworldly deserts – every turn brings another stunning sight. With that in mind, here are some of the most beautiful and unique landscapes to explore on your next road trip – get ready for an unforgettable experience!
1. Pacific Coast Highway, California
The Pacific Coast Highway in California is undoubtedly one of the most stunning drives in the world. From San Francisco to Los Angeles, you can cruise through seaside towns with scenic lookouts, towering cliffs and secluded beaches. Driving along the highway, you will eventually come to the famous Big Sur region which offers amazing views of the Pacific Ocean and stunning coastline rock formations. This drive promises travelers an incomparable journey they will never forget!
2. Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina
The Blue Ridge Parkway stretches for 469 miles through the heart of the Appalachians. Take in the breathtaking views of the rolling hills, dense forests, and brilliant fall foliage along this scenic drive. Overlooks, hiking paths, and historic sites are just some of the opportunities for scenic pauses along the road. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a popular stop along the Blue Ridge Parkway because it offers stunning mountain scenery and a chance to appreciate nature up close.
3. Route 66, Illinois to California
Taking a road trip down Route 66 is an adventure that offers the perfect mix of classic American spirit and stunning natural beauty. Starting from Chicago, Illinois and reaching all the way to Santa Monica, California, this historic highway passes through eight states, offering sights such as the iconic Gateway Arch in St. Louis and Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona. For those with a thirst for adventure, the Hoover Dam in Nevada provides an unforgettable view. Feel like a real pioneer traveling across deserts, plains and mountains while discovering some of America’s most beautiful landscapes and culture–a trip down Route 66 is an experience not soon forgotten.
4. Great Ocean Road, Australia
The Great Ocean Road in Australia is an idyllic way to explore the stunning beauty of the country’s coastline. The 243-kilometer drive stretches across the state of Victoria and takes travelers through a variety of breathtaking landscapes, such as rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and dense forests. The highlight of the sea journey is without a doubt the Twelve Apostles, majestic rock formations that seem to reach out towards the horizon from the depths of the ocean below. A trip on this scenic highway is perfect for any adventurer who wishes to behold some of Australia’s most amazing sights up close. Whether it be enjoying a picnic lunch on one of the many beaches or simply admiring the serene tranquility of nature, driving along The Great Ocean Road is sure to leave lasting memories with everyone who chooses to embark upon this unforgettable road trip.
5. Ring Road, Iceland
It is possible to travel around the entire island of Iceland using the 1300 km long Ring Road. Discover the beauty of Iceland’s glaciers, waterfalls, geysers, and black sand beaches from a new angle on this road trip. The Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon is a popular stop along the Ring Road because visitors can watch glaciers calve into the ocean and create icebergs that float on the water’s surface. A tour along this route is ideal for people who want to see Iceland’s natural landscapes in all their untamed glory.
Conclusion
Road trips are the perfect way to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, explore new sights and sounds, and create memories that will last a lifetime. From coast to coast, or across continents and oceans, amazing roads will lead you on incredible journeys to experience some of the world’s most stunning vistas. Whether it’s snow-capped mountains punctuating a dramatic skyline or arid badlands populated with curious wildlife, there are endless views guaranteed to take your breath away. So when you find yourself yearning for adventure and want to see the world in all its glory, there’s no better way than hitting the road.
