List of 25 Most Scenic Drives For Ultimate Driving Vacation

Scenic Beauty Of Suhua Highway China

There is nothing quite like taking to the open highway amidst some of the world’s most stunning scenery. We are really fortunate to have breathtaking scenery available in every corner of the world. Moreover, there are many roads which provide equal access to the natural beauty of the most remote and inspiring spaces on earth. Driving often seems like a chore to many of us who have to struggle along overcrowded motorways on a regular basis. But it can also become a great way to explore a landscape and enjoy the sights. Driving can be one of the most relaxing activities. Refreshing scenic drives down winding roads and amidst stunning views can be really therapeutic.

If you’re planning a vacation we would suggest trying out a driving vacation along one of these breathtakingly scenic roads. Rest assured, you’ll certainly have a wonderful experience full of adventure and mystery. You can plan out a complete itinerary of places to stay, sights to visit and see. There are a plethora of options available for you to choose from all over the world. However, to make your job a little easier, we have gathered a list of 25 most interesting, off-beat, and scenic drives of the world for your ultimate driving vacation. So, just strap on your seatbelts, and get ready for a spectacular trip ahead!

{ 1 } Very Scenic Drives On Route One, Iceland

Very Scenic Drives Route One Iceland
The circular route 1 is a national road of Iceland that runs along the entire country and connects most of the inhabited parts of the country. This beautifully scenic road is 828 miles (1332 Km) long. This ring road is the most popular (and probably the only) route for a road trip around Iceland. Some of Iceland’s most popular tourist attractions including the Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, Dyrhólaey and the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, also lie along this road. Hence, it is advisable to take a 10-12 day long trip to make sure you visit all the best places in Iceland falling along the ring road.

{ 2 } Overseas Highway – Most Scenic Highway Of Florida

Stunning Aerial View Of Overseas Highway Florida
The Overseas Highway which links the cities of Miami and Keywest is certainly a modern wonder. This highway, sometimes called ‘the Highway that Goes to Sea’, traverses through countless coral and limestone islets which form the Florida Keys. This scenic 110-mile highway combines ocean views, 42 bridges, natural wonders, and history. The highway is the southernmost leg of U.S. Route 1. It follows a trail originally blazed in 1912 when Henry Flagler extended his Florida East Coast Railroad from Miami to Key West. Each region of the Keys has its own unique character, worlds away from big cities and theme parks. The main stops in the Keys are Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine Key & The Lower Keys, and finally Key West. Interesting places to visit include the Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail, the History of Diving MuseumDolphin Research Center, and the famous Seven Mile Bridge.

{ 3 } Amazing Views Of Combe Laval, France

Amazing Views Of Combe Laval France
Combe Laval is a spectacular road in the Vercors nature reserve, in the Drome department. Well-known for its stunning views, this route is certainly one of the most beautiful routes in the French Alps. It lies between the communes of Saint-Jean-en-Royans and Saint-Laurent-en-Royans. It has the mountain of Arp in the east and the mountain of Écharasson in the west. The Combe Laval was originally constructed to facilitate the transport of wood from the forest of Lente to Saint-Jean-en-Royans. The construction of this road was a perilous undertaking given the enormous differences in altitude in the area. Constructing this underground as well as the aerial route was like walking a tightrope. However, it is the most exceptional tourist route! It has countless tunnels crossing the rocks, the peaks, the views, and the stunning viewpoints.

{ 4 } The Garden Route, South Africa

The Garden Route South Africa
The Garden Route is a popular and scenic highway on the south-eastern coast of South Africa. It stretches from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape to the Storms River in the Eastern Cape. This 300km long route takes in national parks, dense forests, placid lakes, and some outrageously beautiful beaches. The Garden Route provides a coastline of some 300 km between Mossel Bay and Plettenberg Bay. It is a tourist attraction because of its ancient forests, rivers, wetlands, dunes, stretches of beach, lakes, and mountain scenery. It includes towns such as Mossel Bay, Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Plettenberg Bay, Nature’s Valley, and George. George is also the Garden Route’s largest city and main administrative center.

{ 5 } Causeway Coastal Route In Northern Ireland

Causeway Coastal Route In Northern Ireland
A Scintillating Drive Along The Atlantic Coast Via Causeway Coastal Route
The Causeway Coastal Route is a charming route for beautiful scenic drives around the coast of Northern Ireland between the cities of Belfast and Londonderry (Derry). The route hugs the Atlantic coast. It has sandy beaches, fishing villages, gorse-covered valleys, clifftop edges, and many major tourist attractions. The must-see places include The Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Dunluce Castle, The Old Bushmills Whiskey Distillery, Glenarm Castle, and the Glens of Antrim. There are also nine scenic loop roads that run off the main Coastal Route. These are Islandmagee, Slemish Mountain, Glenariff, Glendun, Torr Road, Glenshesk, Bann Valley, Binevenagh Mountain, and the Roe Valley. One of these loop roads, The Torr road is quite narrow. Take in some of Ireland’s most incredible sights and savor every part of this road trip.

{ 6 } Scenic Beauty Of Suhua Highway, China

Scenic Beauty Of Suhua Highway China
The Suhua Highway also called the Suao-Hualien highway is a 118 km section of the Provincial Highway No. 9 in Taiwan. It starts at Su-ao Township, Yilan and ends at Hualien City, Hualien. A portion of this route winds along steep cliffs high above the Pacific ocean. Hence, this scenic highway is sometimes a dangerous drive. A road was first cut between Su-ao and Hualien under the order of the imperial Chinese government way back in 1874. However, this road was first opened to traffic in 1932. Famous stops along this route include the Chongde Control, the Shiahai Trail, and the Qingshui Cliffs.

{ 7 } The Blue Ridge Parkway, USA

The Blue Ridge Parkway USA
The Blue Ridge Parkway is certainly one of America’s best driving routes. This 469 miles long parkway is a slow-paced and relaxing drive which offers stunning views of rugged mountains and pastoral landscapes of the Appalachian mountains. It also gives visitors a great chance to explore the diverse, rich, and vibrant traditions of the states of Virginia and North Carolina. World-renowned for its biodiversity, this route spans the southern and central Appalachians. It also covers a wide range of habitats along the Appalachian Mountains. Visitors encounter unsurpassed diversity of climate, vegetation, wildlife, and geological features. Places of interest include Mount Mitchell, Rocky Knob, Mabry Mill, New River, Linville Gorge, Whitewater Falls, and abundant biodiversity. Make your road trip more enjoyable by renting limo services or party buses from https://www.limofind.com/tx/lubbock-limo-service/.

{ 8 } Striking Scenery Of Route 40, Argentina

Striking Scenery Of Route 40 Argentina
National Route 40 or ‘Ruta 40‘ in Argentina is a mythical and fantastical route which is also known as ‘the road to the clouds’ in the north-west part of the country. Route 40 has its traditional southern end in the city of Rio Gallegos in Santa Cruz and travels throughout the country to its northern end in La Quiaca in Jujuy Province. It is one of the longest routes in the world with a length of almost 5,000 kilometers (3,100 miles). Also known as the backbone of Argentina, route 40 crosses 18 important rivers, 20 National Parks and Natural Reserves, and connects 11 provinces.

{ 9 } The Serpentine Road – Trollstigen, Norway

The Serpentine Road Trollstigen Norway
The Trollstigen or ‘Trolls Road’ is Norway’s most visited tourist road. It is a popular tourist attraction due to its steep incline and eleven hairpin turns up a steep mountainside. Every bend has its own name. Most of them are named after the foremen that led the construction gangs that built the road. This masterpiece in engineering is 106 km long and runs from Geiranger to the bottom of Romsdal valley. It offers breathtaking views of Norway’s majestic natural landscape, steep mountains, and high waterfalls. An impressive bridge carries the road across the Stigfossen waterfall. Sights to see include the National Tourist Route Trollstigen, Trollveggen and Romsdalen Valley, and Trollveggen Visitor Center.

{ 10 } Cabot Trail In Nova Scotia, Canada

Cabot Trail In Nove Scotia Canada
The Cabot Trail is a highway and scenic roadway in northern Victoria County on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Canada. It is certainly one of the most beautiful scenic drives of the country. This 298 km long route winds through stunning ocean vistas, beautiful landscapes, old-growth forests, and the Cape Breton Highlands. You can also indulge in outdoor activities such as golfing, kayaking, hiking, cycling, and whale watching. Enjoy the views of the highlands from the water in Baddeck on the Bras d’Or Lake within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Other places of interest include the Bird Islands, Pleasant Bay, St. Ann’s Bay, Margaree River Valley, artisan studios and galleries on the Cabot Trail Artisans Road Trip.

{ 11 } The Idyllic Great Ocean Road, Australia

The Idyllic Great Ocean Road Australia
Stunning View Of The Great Ocean Road, Melbourne, Australia By Shima Adel/Shutterstock
The Great Ocean Road is a 243 km long stretch of road along the south-eastern coast of Australia. It runs between the cities of Torquay and Allansford in Victoria. This scenic route winds through Australia’s picturesque landscape and showcases nature at its best. The list of must-see sights includes the Twelve Apostles, Bay of Islands, London Bridge, Bells Beach, Shipwreck Coast, lakes and waterfalls in Cape Otway, Great Otway National Park, Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, and Great Ocean Walk. The Great Ocean Road is home to an abundance of native wildlife. You can see the whales at Logans Beach in Warrnambool, seals at Cape Bridgewater, kangaroos at Anglesea, platypus on Lake Elizabeth, dolphins at Queenscliff, and koalas at Kennett River. You can also visit the charming old fishing village of Port Fairy and the buzzing arts community in Lorne.

{ 12 } Scenic Drives Over Xingshan Water Highway

Scenic Drives Over Water In China
Located in central China, the Xingshan over-water highway is one of the world’s most scenic highways. This new road links Xingshan County and the Zhaojun Bridge in Hubei province. In order to avoid cutting through the woods, the engineers constructed about 2.7 miles of the highway above a river that runs through picturesque mountains. This 6.8 miles long road built on top of a bridge follows the river valley. This scenic route offers breathtaking views of the valley as well as the river and nearby villages.

{ 13 } The Chapman’s Peak Drive, South Africa

The Chapman’s Peak Drive South Africa
Scenic Drives In Chapman’s Peak, South Africa By Matej Hudovernik/Shutterstock
The Chapman’s peak drive in Cape Town, South Africa, takes motorists on a winding route from Hout Bay to Noordhoek. This 9km route with its 114 curves skirts the rocky coastline of the 539m high Chapman’s peak. Its one of the most spectacular marine drives in the world. The combination of steep, rocky inclines, shimmering blue waters, and expansive skies is simply breathtaking. This route also offers superb hiking experiences up to the peak, through Silvermine Nature Reserve and Table Mountain National Park along with some interesting whale watching sports.

{ 14 } Going To The Sun Road In Montana

Going To The Sun Road In Montana
Going-to-the-sun road is a spectacular 50-mile mountain road in the Rocky Mountains that spans the width of Glacier National Park, Montana. This road is a part of the National Register of Historic Places since 1983. It is also a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark since 1985. It passes through large glacial lakes and cedar forests in the lower valleys to windswept alpine tundra atop the pass in the park. This road offers breathtaking views of the Glacier’s pristine forests, alpine meadows, rugged mountains, and spectacular lakes. Places to see include Going-to-the-sun Mountain, Saint Mary’s  Falls and Virginia Falls, Logan Pass Visitor Center, Heavens Peak, Weeping Walls, etc.

{ 15 } Karakoram Highway Between China And Pakistan

Karakoram Highway China And Pakistan
The Karakoram Highway (KKH) runs through the highest concentration of soaring mountain peaks and raging rivers in the world. It is one of the most spectacular routes on the planet. The KKH connects China and Pakistan across the Karakoram mountain range, through the Khunjerab Pass, at an elevation of 4,714 meters (15,466 ft) above the sea level. This 1300km (800 miles) long road is the highest paved international road with hairpin curves and dangerous drop-offs. It offers great scenic views of the Karakoram Mountain ranges, lush greenery as well as rocky mountain landscapes. The road is extremely treacherous and requires a vehicle that can hold its own against some of the most unforgiving terrains in the world. It’s certainly breathtaking and has a fearsome reputation.

{ 16 } Charming Views Of The Transfagarasan, Romania

Charming Views Of The Transfagarasan Romania
The Transfagarasan is a paved mountain road crossing the southern section of the Carpathian Mountains of Romania. This 90km long road reaches an altitude of 2,042 meters, the second highest after Transalpina (2145 meters). Also labeled ‘the Road to the Sky’, the Transfagarasan has hairpin turns, long S-curves, and sharp descents. It climbs, twists and descends right through Moldoveanu and Negoiu – the highest peaks in Fagaras Mountains. Places to visit include Curtea de Arges Monastery, Poenari – Vlad the Impaler’s fortress, Vidraru Lake and Dam, Golul Alpin nature reserve, Balea Glacial Lake, and Balea waterfall.

{ 17 } The Million Dollar Highway, Colorado

The Million Dollar Highway Colorado
The Million Dollar Highway which runs from Silverton to Ouray is a section of the US Route 550. This road certainly offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Colorado landscape and the San Juan Mountains. A part of the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway, this road winds and clings to the mountain providing dramatic views at every turn. The ascent is marked with several hairpin turns and narrow lanes that are cut directly into the sides of the mountains. The surrounding wilderness is home to many creatures including black bears, deer, elk and mountain goats. It climbs up very steep high mountain passes like Red Mountain Pass, Molas Pass, and Coal Bank Pass. Other places of interest include Animas Forks, hot springs of Trimble Spa, Molas Lake, San Juan National Forest, and Animas River Gorge.

{ 18 } Natural Beauty Along The North Coast 500

Natural Beauty Along The North Coast 500
The North Coast 500 is a 516-mile (830 km) scenic route around the north coast of Scotland, starting and ending at Inverness Castle. The NC500 starts in the northern city of Inverness, weaves along the west coast to Applecross and then northwards towards the towns of Torridon and Ullapool. From there it ventures to Caithness and John o’ Groats before heading south again through Dingwall and finally back to Inverness. Taking the NC500 route helps you to discover the best the Highlands has to offer, from magical and mystical castles and wonderful distilleries and breweries to magnificent views of the water and exhilarating wildlife safaris. Other places of interest include Inverness-shire, Sutherland, Black Isle, Easter Ross, and Wester Ross.

{ 19 } Winding Roads Of Furka Pass, Switzerland

Winding Roads Of Furka Pass Switzerland
The Furka pass in Switzerland is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.431 m (7,976ft) above the sea level. It is one of the world’s most exhilarating and exciting drives through the Swiss Alps. The pass links Realp in the canton of Uri with the Gletsch in the canton of Valais. The Furka pass drive is full of picturesque landscapes and unique mountain panorama. The Rhone Glacier with its ice grotto, the attractive options for hiking, climbing and skiing tours, as well as the reopened steam railway make this road a popular road trip option for tourists.

{ 20 } Glaciers View Along The Milford Road

Glaciers View Along The Milford Road
The 120km (75 miles) long Milford Road in South West New Zealand offers a dramatic, beautiful, journey from Te Anau to Milford Sound. The highest point of the road reaches up to 940 meters (3,100 feet) above sea level. You will pass through stunning landscapes including mountain ranges, glacier-carved valleys, clear blue lakes, and native rainforest. It is certainly an unforgettable journey into the heart of Fiordland National Park and the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage area. Major highlights of this route are Te Anau, Milford Sound, the Eglinton Valley, the Mirror Lakes, the Earl Mountains, the Avenue of the Disappearing Mountain, and Lake Gunn. You can also visit places like Knobs Flat, Monkey Creek, Homer Tunnel, Cleddau Valley, and waterfalls at the Chasm. The entire length of SH 94 is susceptible to snowfall during the winter months and care should be taken at any time of the year.

{ 21 } Serra Do Rio Do Rastro Road, Brazil

Serra Do Rio Do Rastro Road Brazil
The Serra do Rio do Rastro is one of the most impressive roads in the world. It is Brazil’s most famous road with steep climbs, closed curves, and spectacular views of cliffs and mountains. Its highest point is situated at 1,460 meters (4,790 feet) above sea level. A belvedere located at its top provides a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and lakes. This majestic road has 284 turns even though it is only 25 km long. The road is brightly illuminated and hence a great journey even at night. The mountain range Serra de Santa Catrina is covered by the Atlantic forest and a diverse fauna, including several felines and monkeys. Due to its rugged geography, the mountain range is well preserved.

{ 22 } Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse Alpine Highway, Austria

Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse Alpine Highway Austria
The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is the highest surfaced scenic route in Austria. It connects Bruck in Salzburg to Heiligenblut in Carinthia. This 48 km long road leads you through the heart of Hohe Tauren National Park towards the highest peak in Austria, the Grossglockner. In addition to stunning natural landscapes and scenic views, this route also piques your interest with its rich tradition, culture, and history. Kaiser-Franz-Josefs-Höhe, at 8200 feet, is the foot of the Grossglockner. From here you can hike to the massive Pasterze glacier on a safe, well-marked trail. You can also take part in one of the guided tours with a national park ranger. The route has multiple look-out points to take in the magnificent views.

{ 23 } Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road, Abu Dhabi

Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road Abu Dhabi
Located on the outskirts of Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Jebel Hafeet mountain road extends for 7.3 mi (11.7 km) up the mountain. It climbs up to the peak at an elevation of 4,000ft (1.219 miles) above the sea level. This road has 60 corners and 3 lanes with sheer drops and serpentine twists and turns. Carved into the desert, the road is worth driving for the smooth surfaces and 60 turns that snake around the Hafeet mountain. Jebel Hafeet also offers a nice vantage point to see Al Ain City below. This majestic journey up the Jebel Hafeet is considered one of the world’s best drivings. At the foot of Jebel Hafeet lies the Green Mubazzarah. Green Mubazzarah is a major tourist attraction, with several hot springs flowing into small streams and forming a lake.

{ 24 } Spectacular Amalfi Coast Scenic Drives

Spectacular Amalfi Coast Scenic Drives
The Amalfi Drive, in Italian Strada Statale 163 Amalfitana and also known as Nastro Azzurro, runs from Sorrento to Salerno. It was originally built by the Romans. It is one of the most spectacular routes in the world giving the travelers amazing views of the Lattari Mountains that go straight down to the Tyrrhenian Sea. The road along the Amalfi Coast is famous for its hairpin bends, zigzags, the views over the sea, and the narrowness in some parts. The highway passes through pretty villages close to high and steep cliffs. But what makes the Amalfi Coast extra special is how the distinct traditions from different countries are clearly visible. Along the way, you can enjoy the picturesque towns of Positano, Praiano village, Conca dei Marini and Emerald Grotto, and finally Amalfi.

{ 25 } The Beautiful Verdon Gorge Circuit France

The Beautiful Verdon Gorge Circuit France
The Verdon takes its name from the green of its water, caused by glacial deposits near its source. Nicknamed the ‘Grand Canyon of Europe’, the Gorges Du Verdon in France is one of the most spectacular sites in the world. The Verdon Gorge Circuit is a loop road that runs along the gorge and offers dizzying views downwards and breathtaking vistas across the valley. The Gorges du Verdon circuit starts from Moustiers Sainte Marie and ends in Castellane. It’s a narrow, twisting road with nonstop epic views of the south side of the rift and the Verdon river. Along the road, you will pass through, across and, at times, under some towering rock formations. There are sheer drops and hairpin turns virtually along the entire route. Interesting places include Pont de Sainte Croix, AiguinesChalet de la Maline, and Balcons de la Mescla.

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