10 Epic Road Trips You Need on Your Bucket List

Ready to hit the road and experience adventure like never before? From scenic routes to hidden gems, there’s a whole world waiting to be explored by car. You, the hero of this journey, deserve to see it all, but the options can be overwhelming.

As your guide, I’m here to show you 10 epic road trips you need on your bucket list. Whether you crave mountains, coastlines, or deserts, this list will make it easy to plan your next adventure.

Keep reading, and you’ll discover routes that promise breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable memories. Your next great road trip starts here!

1. Pacific Coast Highway, California

California’s Pacific Coast Highway, also known as Highway 1, is one of America’s most scenic drives. It stretches from Big Sur’s breathtaking cliffs to the vibrant streets of Los Angeles.

It’s a ride through varied scenery and quaint beach towns. Drivers can enjoy stunning ocean vistas, rocky cliffs, and peaceful beaches. Along the route, highlights include the famous McWay Falls and San Francisco’s busy city streets.

Care must be taken along the various sections of Big Sur, which are likely to be closed due to landslides in 2024, requiring detours such as Highway 101.

2. Amalfi Coast Drive, Italy

The Amalfi Coast Drive is stunning along its twisting roads in southern Italy. The famous drive is approximately 50 kilometers, from Salerno to Sorrento, and features stunning views of rocky cliffs and blue sea.

Tourists usually opt for mopeds or scooters for a more relaxed experience. The smaller vehicles allow one to easily drive through the narrow roads and get quick parking spaces with amazing views.

It is also possible to drive a car, though one would need to be attentive and patient. The route is a motorcyclist’s heaven, which tells you something about its popularity among thrill-seekers.

Timing has to be right, however, with spring and summer being the best, when the weather is perfect, and the landscape is lush green.

3. Route 66, USA

Route 66, the “Mother Road”, is a nostalgic trip through America’s past. The famous highway stretches almost 2,500 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica. Travelers enjoy a mix of ancient sites and offbeat roadside attractions.

Among the highlights are the Cadillac Ranch in Texas and Arizona’s stunning Petrified Forest National Park. There are historic towns like Flagstaff and Springfield, which provide a window into the past, while classic diners and retro motels complete the picture.

The driving route is a special experience to discover America’s heartland. Route 66 continues to be a lifetime experience for road trippers seeking a classic American journey, with its fascinating cultural history and stunning landscape.

4. Great Ocean Road, Australia

The Great Ocean Road in Australia is one of the most renowned and picturesque road journeys, stretching 375 kilometers along the southeast coast. Travelers are treated to breathtaking vistas of the Southern Ocean and coastal landscape.

Among the greatest attractions are the iconic 12 Apostles, a group of limestone stacks standing sentinel from the sea. Travelers normally pause in quaint towns such as Lorne and Apollo Bay, where there are chances to experience local culture and cuisine.

This path goes through rainforests and there are beautiful waterfalls on this route, providing a combination of natural beauty.

5. Ring Road, Iceland

Iceland is surrounded by the Ring Road, a beautiful scenic route around the whole island that stretches for about 1,332 kilometers (828 miles). Visitors can see stunning landscapes, from powerful waterfalls and beautiful glaciers to geothermal hot springs.

A 10-day trip is normally perfect to experience the highlights without too much frenetic traveling. Beginning in Reykjavik, the trip includes the classical attractions of the Golden Circle, the eastern fjords, and the spectacular black sand beaches of the southern shore.

Travel tips will usually state that a 4WD vehicle may come in useful, particularly during winter when the weather might be difficult. Most travel schedules advise booking accommodations ahead of time because of the popularity of the route, especially if it is peak season.

See Also Best Time to Travel to Iceland

6. Cabot Trail, Canada

The Cabot Trail is a world-famous scenic highway on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. The ocean road winds along coastal scenery and provides a sweeping combination of mountain and ocean landscapes. It might not be expected that this trail is among North America’s most stunning roadways.

Tourists can hike through lush forests and outcrops of rock and take part in cultural pursuits.

Glenora Distillery, the oldest single-malt whisky distillery in North America, is an interesting location along the trail. Tourists tend to take two or three days to absorb its beauty in all its glory, with sufficient time for hiking and unwinding.

7. Garden Route, South Africa

South Africa’s Garden Route presents one of South Africa’s most scenic drives. The drive is some 300 kilometers (190 miles) long and winds its way through some of the most beautiful scenery constituted of coastal towns, lush forests, and pretty mountains.

The route is not only renowned for its natural beauty but also for the multitude of activities available along the route.

They can discover quaint coastal towns and go hiking, surfing, and wildlife watching. Mossel Bay, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, and the stunning Tsitsikamma National Park are a few of the well-liked stops along the route.

The Garden Route is easy to drive, and car rental is a hassle-free option. There are also tourist tours available for the non-driver that provide convenience and comfort. Either way, self-drive or tour, it’s a pleasant trip through one of South Africa’s most favored areas.

8. Carretera Austral, Chile

The Carretera Austral, or Route 7, is a 770-mile (1,240 km) highway that bisects Chilean Patagonia from Puerto Montt in the north to Villa O’Higgins in the south.

 The iconic route winds its way through some of the most remote and stunning landscapes on, with towering mountains, enormous glaciers, fjords, and pristine rivers. Along the way, travelers can explore 11 national parks, part of the “Route of the Parks,” a conservation initiative that aims to protect the region’s vast natural and cultural wealth. 

The journey is best undertaken between the months of October and April, the Southern Hemisphere’s Spring and summer, when the climate is more favorable to exploration

9. North Coast 500, Scotland

The North Coast 500 is a renowned road trip in Scotland that covers over 500 miles of stunning scenery along the northern coast. Starting and ending in Inverness, this iconic route offers breathtaking views of rugged landscapes, historic castles, and picturesque villages.

Travelers will encounter white sandy beaches and dramatic cliffs, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts. The journey provides numerous opportunities to experience Scottish culture, from sampling local delicacies to exploring ancient sites.

With its diverse sights and experiences, the North Coast 500 is a must-visit destination for any road trip aficionado.

10. Canadian Rockies, Canada

The Canadian Rockies offer a stunning backdrop for an unforgettable road trip. Visitors can explore iconic destinations such as Banff, Jasper, and Yoho National Parks. The scenery includes dramatic peaks, pristine lakes, and lush forests, making it a top choice for nature enthusiasts.

A must-do experience is the ride on the Banff Gondola, which provides breathtaking views from Sulphur Mountain.

This region also features abundant wildlife spotting opportunities, offering glimpses of animals like elk and bears. The Icefields Parkway connects several park regions, showcasing glaciers and icefields along the way.

From serene hiking trails to enchanting vistas, the Canadian Rockies promise a captivating adventure for travelers seeking natural beauty and peaceful retreats.

10 Epic Road Trips You Need on Your Bucket List: A Recap

These 10 epic road trips offer a diverse range of experiences, from coastal highways to rugged mountain routes, ensuring there’s an adventure for every type of traveler.

Whether you’re chasing breathtaking views, cultural landmarks, or remote wilderness, each journey promises unforgettable memories. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and start ticking off these iconic routes from your bucket list.

Your next great adventure is just around the corner!

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